Ways to Improve Fuel Economy in Winter
Winter can be an awesome time of year. There are many fun activities to participate in like sledding, skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing or just taking long walks through the snow. Cold weather, however, can really hurt your vehicle’s fuel efficiency when you are getting to all of these fun places. Today we’re going to help with a few tips on how you can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy this winter.
Why is fuel economy worse in winter?
Fuel economy tends to be less impressive in cold weather for a variety of reasons. One reason is because you use a lot of energy warming up your vehicle and keeping it at a comfortable temperature. Heated seats, window defrosters and heater fans all use additional power from your vehicle. Warming up your vehicle before you start your trip also lowers your fuel economy. Another factor that comes into play is the cold air outside. Cold air is denser, which increases aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, especially on the highway. These are just a few things that can negatively affect your fuel economy.
Tips for Getting Better Fuel Efficiency in Cold Weather
So, how do you counteract the harsh affects of winter? There are a few easy things you can do.
- Minimize Idling
You should only have to warm your vehicle up for 30 second before driving. The engine actually warms up fast when the vehicle is being driven. This also helps the heat in your vehicle to turn on sooner which will not only decrease fuel costs, but also reduce emissions.
- Limit Use of Extra Features
If you really want to improve your fuel economy, you can limit your uses of seat warmers and defrosters. Only use them when it’s truly necessary. - Remove Car Accessories
It is a good idea to remove exterior accessories that increase wind resistance, like roof racks. If you aren’t using them, they can really affect your efficiency.
These are just a few ways you can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy in the winter months of the year. Another way to improve your winter driving experience is to make sure that your vehicle is properly equipped with winter tires. Call or visit Go Toyota on the Trail if you need to buy and switch your tires. We will be able to help make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold months ahead.