The cold weather can make living conditions quite difficult and, if you are not vigilant, the cold weather can also be harmful to your car. In fact, the low temperature can reduce your fuel economy significantly. During cold weather, engines have to work harder for the same amount of work and snow and ice can force your car to work harder just to keep it going.
What causes lower fuel economy during winter?
- Since engine oil and other driveline fluids are cold during winter, engine and transmission friction increase when you use your car. This, in turn, will increase fuel consumption.
- Idling – warming up your car before you drive off reduces your fuel economy.
- Since cold air is heavier, this increases the aerodynamic drag on your vehicle.
- During cold weather, your car engine takes longer to reach its fuel-efficient temperature.
- Cold weather causes tire pressure to decrease and this increases your vehicle’s rolling resistance, which, then, increases your fuel consumption.
- The use of heater fans, window defrosters, and heated seats requires additional power.
- Cold weather decreases battery performance and this makes it harder for your alternator to keep your car battery charged.
How Can You Improve Fuel Economy During Winter Months?
- Park your car in your garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to look for a warmer place to park.
- Clean snow and ice off before using your car, using an ice scraper. Doing this helps make your car lighter and more aerodynamic.
- Avoid idling your car to warm it up. Several car manufacturers recommend slowly driving off, 30 seconds after you start your vehicle.
- Combine trips whenever possible so that you drive less often with a cold engine.
- Make sure that you check your tire pressure regularly.
- Use oil for cold weather driving, preferably one that has been recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
- Use window defrosters, heater fans and seat warmers only when necessary.
Taking these steps can help improve fuel economy during cold, winter months. But to ensure that your car stays in excellent condition, you need to have your vehicle checked by auto experts.
Dallas European Auto is located in West Plano, Texas. Our auto experts have a combined 40 years of experience and are specialists in both foreign and domestic cars. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and we are well known for providing highly personalized, expert service that goes the extra mile.
All our auto experts are involved in day-to-day operations and specialize in auto maintenance that keeps your car operating efficiently.
At Dallas European Auto, we don’t charge you for services you don’t need. In fact, we are known for providing first-rate service at the most affordable prices in the area and all our customers are informed about the entire process from diagnosis to repair.
Call us at 214-504-1528.
Schedule an appointment with Dallas European Auto today!
