Cold Weather Can Take a Toll on Gas Mileage

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - As winter temperatures settle into the Parkland, drivers may notice their vehicles aren’t going as far on a tank of gas as they do in warmer months.

Automotive experts say cold weather can significantly reduce fuel efficiency, sometimes by as much as 10 to 20 percent. One of the biggest factors is cold air, which is denser and increases aerodynamic drag, forcing engines to work harder. Cold temperatures also affect engine oil and other fluids, making them thicker and less efficient until the vehicle fully warms up.

Short trips can make the problem worse. Vehicles burn more fuel during cold starts, and when trips are brief, engines may never reach their most efficient operating temperature. Idling to warm up a vehicle can also waste fuel, especially with modern engines that don’t require long warm-up periods. Tire pressure is another concern during cold snaps. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure can fall by about one pound per square inch. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can further reduce gas mileage.

Drivers can help limit the impact by keeping tires properly inflated, avoiding unnecessary idling, combining short trips when possible, and using the manufacturer-recommended motor oil for cold weather.

While colder temperatures are unavoidable, experts say small adjustments can help drivers save fuel and money throughout the winter.