Auto Fuel Economy: 5 Tips to Improve Poor Winter Gas Mileage

Many car owners notice a drop in auto fuel economy during the winter. Motorists in colder climates often experience higher fuel costs than motorists in warmer climates. Low tire pressure, cold motor oil, and reduced traction contribute to poor winter gas mileage. Keep reading to find 3 reasons why fuel economy is worse in winter and 5 ways to improve it.

3 Reasons Why Auto Fuel Economy Is Worse In Winter

Yes, it is true for many motorists. A cold engine has to work harder to operate in freezing temperatures. Fuel quality, road conditions, and frigid temperatures can contribute to a lower mpg during winter. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why.

1) Winter-Blend Fuel

Did you know refineries circulate different fuel blends during the year based on climate, region, and temperature? For example, winter-blend gasoline evaporates faster in cold temperatures, helping cars start when the engine is cold. It also aids your vehicle’s engine in running more smoothly during freezing weather. Unfortunately, winter-blend fuels contain less energy than summer-blend fuels, reducing overall fuel economy.

2) Less Traction on Icy Roads

Slick and icy road conditions reduce tire traction. Spinning wheels without traction and forward motion use more energy, reducing your vehicle’s mpg. Also, fuel economy declines when your vehicle’s 4WD or All-Wheel-Drive engages because those systems use additional fuel.

3) Cold Motor Oil Means More Friction

Friction in the vehicle’s engine and transmission is more significant at low temperatures. Cold motor oil and transmission fluids are thicker and flow less effectively. Increased friction makes components work harder, requiring more energy and fuel.

5 Ways To Improve Winter Gas Mileage

While we can’t change the weather, we can certainly take steps to improve our fuel economy through simple auto maintenance. Let’s explore these practical solutions.

1) Maintain Correct Tire Pressure

Maintaining correct tire pressure is one of the easiest ways to improve winter gas mileage. When outside temperatures drop, the air pressure inside your tires decreases. Low tire pressure reduces traction, increases rolling resistance, and makes steering more difficult. Keep your tires filled to the correct pressure to eliminate these issues. It also keeps your vehicle safer and more fuel-efficient.

2) Remove Snow & Ice

We have all seen cars driving around covered in snow. You may not realize it, but all that snow and ice is heavy. Keep an ice scraper in your vehicle during winter to remove those heavy snow deposits. Not only is it safer for motorists driving behind you, but it also lightens your load, improving your fuel economy.

3) Synthetic or Winter-Weight Motor Oil

Traditional motor oils thicken during colder weather. Cold motor oil moves slower and forces your engine to work harder, with more friction, until the oil warms up. Some vehicles can benefit from switching to synthetic or winter-weight motor oils during the winter. Consult your owner’s manual or service technician to see if changing your vehicle’s motor oil for winter will help improve fuel economy.

4) Car Battery

Your vehicle’s battery performance is less effective in cold weather, making it more difficult for the alternator to charge your battery fully. Heater fans, rear window and side mirror defrosters, seat warmers, and other wintertime accessories pull power from the battery. 

• Schedule a battery service to get the most from your vehicle’s battery this winter. Replace it with a new one once it no longer holds a full charge. 
• Consider parking inside the garage, under a carport, or in a warm spot outdoors. 
• Invest in an insulated car cover and battery blanket to safeguard your car battery from freezing temperatures.

5) Vehicle Idling

It seems obvious, yet most motorists don’t consider idling and ‘warming up’ their car during the winter. When your vehicle is sitting in the driveway with the engine running, you get 0 mpg. Vehicle idling every morning for up to 15 minutes during a 5-day work week can waste several gallons of fuel. Most modern automobiles do not require more than 1 minute of ‘warm up’ time to drive safely.

Winterize Your Vehicle For Better Auto Fuel Economy

Trusted for over 35 Years, Fisher’s Auto Service specializes in maintaining your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended services, inspections, and repairs at regular intervals. Let our experienced auto care advisors and technicians winterize your automobile today!

Make An Appointment to Improve Auto Fuel Economy

If you’d like to make an appointment to improve Winter Gas Mileage, change to cold Motor Oil, and check Tire Pressure and the Car Battery, please call (425) 441-3626 or use our online appointment maker.