How to maximise your fuel efficiency in cold weather
16th Sep, 2024
As we’ve covered recently, you might have noticed the temperature has already started to noticeably drop, and the great British Summertime is officially coming to an end. We’ve already spoken about some of the useful preparations you can make to set your car up for colder weather, especially since the winter can often put it under extra strain. One of the most noticeable ways this typically manifests is by impacting your car’s fuel efficiency.
So don’t worry if it suddenly seems to start getting less miles to the gallon – it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to scrap your car just yet! Instead, here are a couple of ways to help you maximise your fuel efficiency when the mercury starts to drop.
1. Warm up the engine efficiently
You’ve almost certainly heard the advice that you should let the car idle for several minutes in cold weather helps warm the engine, but to be completely honest, that practice has been outdated for some time now. Modern engines don’t benefit from a warm up period while idling – instead, it just wastes fuel without significantly speeding up the engine’s warm-up process. Instead, it’s better to start driving gently after starting the car.
Driving slowly and avoiding harsh acceleration will naturally warm the engine more quickly, and it’s far more fuel-efficient than leaving your car to idle on your driveway. Modern cars are designed to handle cold starts, so prolonged idling isn’t necessary. Plus, idling for too long can cause unnecessary wear on the engine and increase emissions.
2. Maintain proper tyre pressure
Tyre pressure tends to drop in colder weather, which can lead to increased rolling resistance and, consequently, higher fuel consumption. For every drop in temperature, tyres can lose a small percentage of pressure, which means they’ll end up working harder and burning more fuel. Under-inflated tyres increase drag, meaning your engine must use more power to maintain speed.
To avoid this, regularly check your tyre pressure and ensure it’s in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Properly inflated tyres go a long way to improving your fuel efficiency, handling, and safety – especially important during icy or snowy conditions. Even small drops in tyre pressure can have a noticeable effect on fuel usage, so keeping them in check during cold months is vital. You might be surprised at how much a simple air pressure check could save you money over the long winter!
3. Limit the use of heating and electrical systems
In cold weather, it’s tempting to crank up the heater, use heated seats, and rely on defrosters more than usual. (We’d all like to stay nice and toasty, wouldn’t we?) However, all of these systems demand extra power from the car’s engine, which causes it to burn more fuel. That can eventually end up having a noticeable impact on your fuel efficiency, and increase your fuel costs in the long term. And let’s be honest, fuel is already pretty costly as it is.
To sidestep that, then, it’s always a good idea to limit the use of heating and other electrical systems as much as possible. Try to turn them off once the cabin is warm or the windows are clear, as keeping them running continuously isn’t always necessary.
What’s more, taking care to use these systems efficiently also reduces the load on your battery and alternator, ensuring smoother running. If your car has an eco-mode, activating it will help manage the electrical demand and keep your fuel usage in check without compromising too much on comfort.
4. Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
One great way to accidentally increase your fuel efficiency is to carry heavy winter gear, tools, or even snow chains that you may not even need. Every additional kilogram adds strain on the engine, which ultimately requires more fuel to move the car. It’s sometimes hard to appreciate how much extra items in the boot or backseat are affecting your fuel economy until you take them out!
So before winter gets started in earnest, it’s good practice to clear out your boot and backseat, removing any items you don’t need for the journey. While winter emergencies may call for some additional equipment, try to balance your load and remove unnecessary weight whenever possible. For example, heavy sports gear, unused roof racks, or even bags of rock salt can all contribute to more frequent stops at the petrol station. The lighter your car, the better it will perform in terms of fuel consumption, so it’s always worth taking stock of what you’re carrying.
5. Monitor driving habits
Arguably the most important one – the way you drive in cold weather has a significant impact on your fuel efficiency. Rapid acceleration, sharp braking, and speeding can all lead to wasted fuel. In winter, when roads can be icy or covered in snow, driving smoothly and at lower speeds not only keeps you safer, but also helps conserve fuel. Sudden movements cause your engine to work harder and burn through fuel more quickly.
Try to maintain a steady speed and avoid frequent stops and starts. Gradual acceleration and gentle braking are essential techniques for improving fuel efficiency. If you anticipate stops ahead, easing off the accelerator early can save more fuel than abruptly stopping and starting again. Also, driving at a slower, more constant speed on the motorway will reduce drag, and you’ll see the benefits in terms of fuel economy. Driving with a relaxed, smooth style helps your car run more efficiently and reduces wear on engine components, which is especially important in harsh winter conditions.
Those are all our top tips – you may well discover even more that work for you! And of course, when the day finally comes that you don’t think your car will manage to make it through the winter at all, that’s exactly what we’re here for at Scrap Car Network. All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our site, and we’ll get you an instant online quote before you can say cash for cars – and all at the very best prices. It only takes a few seconds. Curious to find out how much your car is worth?
