Cold weather doesn't just affect our fingers and noses. Your fuel economy can be influenced as well. Fuel economy can drop significantly between the frigid temperatures and winter driving conditions.

·     Fuel economy tests show that gas mileage in a conventional gas vehicle is approximately 15% lower at 20F than at 77F.Â
·     Hybrids are affected even more, with a 30-34% decrease under similar conditions.
·     Electric vehicles drop even more, with around a 39% drop in mixed city and highway travel. The range for an EV can decrease by 41% in colder temperatures. Heating the cabin uses roughly two-thirds of the extra energy.
Decreased fuel economy can impact both your wallet and how often you have to stand out in the blistering cold putting gas into your tank. For those EV and hybrid drivers, it impacts how far you can go on a trip.
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How does cold weather affect fuel economy?
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·     It takes more time for your engine to warm up to the most efficient operating temperature, which makes the most difference during short trips since the engine may spend the whole trip at suboptimal temps.
·     Warming up your car before you get in uses up fuel. Idling gets you 0 miles per gallon.
·     Engine oil and other drive-line fluids can be thicker, which causes increased friction in the engine and transmission and uses more fuel.
·     Heated seats, heated steering wheels, heater fans, and window defrosters use extra power.
·     Chilly air is denser, which increases the aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, particularly at highway speeds.
·     Battery performance is reduced in cold temperatures, which makes it more difficult for the alternator to keep your battery charged. Reducing battery performance influences the regenerative braking system on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles.
·     Tire pressure decreases when the temperatures drop, which increases the resistance between the tire and the road.
·     Winter gasoline blends may have marginally less energy per gallon than summer mixtures.

In harsh winter weather, your miles per gallon can fall even further.
·     Snow-covered or icy roads reduce your tires' grip on the road, consuming energy.
·     Slippery roads with limited visibility require lower safe driving speeds, which reduces fuel economy.
·     Using your vehicle's four-wheel drive uses up more fuel.
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How can I increase fuel economy in colder temperatures?
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·     Use your garage if you have one. Parking in the garage will keep the initial temperature of the cabin and engine higher than the outdoor temps.
·     Check your tire pressure regularly to be sure it isn't too low.
·     Remove fixtures on the outside of your vehicle if not in use. Things like roof racks can increase wind resistance.
·     Combine trips so you take fewer short trips with a colder engine.
·     Decrease idling your vehicle. The engine will heat up faster by being driven. Many manufacturers recommend starting the engine and gently driving off after roughly 30 seconds.
·     Don't use defrosters or seat warmers more than necessary.
·     If you drive an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, preheat the cabin while plugged into the charger to increase your car's range. Using the seat warmers instead of the heater fan while driving can also extend the range and save energy.
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Hopefully, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and these winter temps will soon be a memory. But even if the days stretch to weeks, your fuel economy will be able to handle it. You, however, may need some extra hot chocolate.

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