Winter Fuel Economy

[Johnkn]

Winter blend fuel will do it.

For those of us in colder climates that are prone to low temps in Winter, above is 100% correct and the major contributor to why fuel economy drops off.

Fuel blends in the winter significantly differ from other seasons in order to provide better cold temp starting, running and emissions. Fuel blends in these regions will absolutely positively negatively impact mileage until they change when the weather warms. BTW I'm in Maryland, absolutely see that effect during the winter and the impact can be ~10%.

Assuming no other changes, correct tire pressure, etc. this is the reason fuel economy typically drops off in winter . No need for alarm, no rocket science, do not block your intercooler to make your motor less efficient, Spring is on the horizon ;^)

 

[Trailmaker]

For those of us in colder climates that are prone to low temps in Winter, above is 100% correct and the major contributor to why fuel economy drops off.

Fuel blends in the winter significantly differ from other seasons in order to provide better cold temp starting, running and emissions. Fuel blends in these regions will absolutely positively negatively impact mileage until they change when the weather warms. BTW I'm in Maryland, absolutely see that effect during the winter and the impact can be ~10%.

Assuming no other changes, correct tire pressure, etc. this is the reason fuel economy typically drops off in winter . No need for alarm, no rocket science, do not block your intercooler to make your motor less efficient, Spring is on the horizon ;^)

That sucks. Here in south east Texas we don’t see “winter blend”. (We don’t see winter ) Good luck with that stuff

 

[evan9r]

Cold weather and winter driving conditions can reduce your fuel economy significantly.

Fuel economy tests show that, in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car's gas mileage is about 12% lower at 20°F than it would be at 77°F. It can drop as much as 22% for very short trips (3 to 4 miles).

The effect on hybrids is worse. Their fuel economy can drop about 31% to 34% under these conditions.

Why is winter fuel economy lower?
Cold weather affects your vehicle in more ways than you might expect:

• Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures due to cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids.
• It takes longer for your engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. This affects shorter trips more, since your car spends more of your trip at less-than-optimal temperatures.
• Heated seats, window defrosters, and heater fans use additional power.
• Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip lowers your fuel economy—idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
• Colder air is denser, increasing aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
• Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
• Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
• Battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for your alternator to keep your battery charged. This also affects the performance of the regenerative braking system on hybrids.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml