Why does gasoline consumption increase in cold weather? Why does fuel consumption increase in winter? The main causes of fuel consumption in winter

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Causes of increased fuel consumption in the winter season

Winter brings with it not only New Year and Christmas holidays, for drivers it is a difficult time in all respects, and this affects the wallet due to increased fuel consumption.

Small car drivers may not notice this difference if they prefer to use their car as little as possible in winter, but people who actually spend a lot of time behind the wheel may find that the engine has become more fuel efficient.

What is the reason for the increased fuel consumption in winter? There are many reasons that can be given. Let's name the most basic ones.

First, starting on a cold engine, as experts calculated, is equivalent to a run of 800 kilometers - it affects the engine so badly. To avoid such negative consequences, the engine needs to be warmed up at least a little, that is, left to work for a while on idling.

If the car is in a heated garage, then you are lucky, but those people who leave the car under the windows of the house on the street have to wait at least ten minutes until the temperature in the engine rises.

It is so difficult to start a car in winter, because all liquids thicken and become more viscous, in addition, the battery can be pretty discharged overnight. Also due to the fact that intake manifold cold, the air does not mix well with the fuel and does not ignite.

If you do not have a garage, then bring the battery into heat at least for the night, and in the morning you can pour boiling water over the collector. Do not immediately start the engine, but simply turn on the ignition and light the dipped and high beam to overclock the battery. You can also use special additives, such as "Cold Start" or "Quick Start", they contain essential substances and the car starts much faster. But still, due to the morning warm-up of the engine, the consumption increases by up to 20 percent.

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Secondly, even if you manage to start the engine, you can’t drive through snowdrifts at the same speeds as in summer. The overall speed in winter decreases, and as you know, the most optimal fuel consumption occurs at speeds of 80-90 km / h in high gears. When the road looks like an ice arena, you have to move very carefully, especially outside the city, where road services do not always cope with their work.

Thirdly, gasoline consumption also increases due to the quality of the road surface. Even if you have installed a good winter tires, then all the same, the tires have to divert more slush and “porridge”, all this sticks to the wheels and creates rolling resistance.

Also, many drivers reduce by winter period tire pressure, arguing that this increases stability. This is indeed true, but at the same time, consumption increases by 3-5 percent.

An important factor is the energy load. After all, in the winter you want the car to be warm, the heating is always on. With high humidity in the cabin, the air conditioner helps to fight, because when you go into heat from the cold, a lot of moisture evaporates from your clothes and body, as a result, the windows sweat, condensation appears. Also, the heated seats, rear-view mirrors, rear window- and all this also consumes a lot of energy, hence the increased consumption.

I need to check before the cold weather. technical condition engine. piston wear and piston rings leads to a decrease in compression, power drops, you have to put more pressure on the accelerator, consumption will increase not only in winter, but even in summer for this reason.

Also keep in mind that gasoline shrinks at low temperatures. Even if during the day it is +10, and at night the frosts are down to -5 degrees, then the volume of gasoline in the tank can drop by several percent.

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Let the oil industry and the government promise that fuel prices will not rise until at least the beginning of next year, they have already reached a fairly high level. And in winter, fuel consumption increases significantly. Moreover, contrary to physics, because according to the Carnot cycle, with an increase in the temperature difference, the efficiency of the mechanism should increase, and cool air is preferable for the motor, rather than hot. But there are side factors that lead to increased consumption fuel.

Engine warm-up

In winter, we warm up the car longer than in warm weather, although automakers claim that even at sub-zero temperatures, you can move immediately after starting the engine. But in order to preserve the resource of the engine and transmission, it is advisable to warm up the engine properly, and then move at low speeds until power unit and the oil in the gearbox does not warm up completely.

Many install alarms on cars with the ability to remote start, and some automakers have this in factory options (for example, Renault system start). Naturally, starting the engine from home while we are about to go out to the car leads to increased fuel consumption.

Additional energy consumers

Heated seats, electrically heated mirrors, rear, and often windshields spend additional energy, forcing the battery and generator to work in an increased load mode. The included stove, and often the air conditioner (to dry the air in the cabin) also increase fuel consumption.

Road conditions and tires

Snow and "porridge" of mud and snow lead to slippage and increased resistance when driving. Accordingly, the engine works with an increased load, and this leads to additional fuel consumption. Studded tires also make their contribution: after all, they “bite” into the road surface, which also increases driving resistance. A decrease in tire pressure also leads to increased fuel consumption, so it is recommended to check it more often in winter.

Also, traditionally, the average speed of movement falls in winter. And in major cities, closer to the New Year, deaf traffic jams begin. Naturally, the engine in this situation spends more fuel.

Additional items in the trunk

Many increase the number of items carried in the trunk. Here is a supply of anti-freeze, and a shovel, an additional tool. The car becomes heavier, fuel consumption increases.

Uncleaned car

Many people are too lazy to completely clean the car from snow before the trip: the windows were wiped off and that's okay. In addition to being unsafe for others, snow adhering to the body also increases fuel consumption, because the car becomes heavier and its aerodynamics change.

Not the most obvious reason

In winter, the air density changes. And the colder it is, the higher it is. At minus forty degrees, it is 30% more than at plus thirty, and such a spread in temperatures is quite real for some regions of Siberia. Accordingly, the higher the air density, the stronger the aerodynamic resistance, which means that the car needs more fuel to move at the same speed as in summer.

Winter is a special time for a car and its owner. Even ardent opponents of various "improvements" are drawn to stores for

Summer and winter trips by car are “two big differences”. One of the sides of this difference is the increased fuel consumption of the car in winter conditions. It is worth taking a closer look at the reasons for these additional costs and ways to reduce unwanted fuel costs.

Causes of increased fuel consumption in winter

Warming up the engine and lubrication system

In the winter to reach operating temperature engine takes longer. Extra idling time results in higher fuel consumption . This is especially true for cars with carburetor engines. The desire to save fuel and start moving without waiting for the temperature to rise to operating values leads to the fact that the engine will “sneeze”, the car will move in jerks.

IN modern cars no long engine warm-up required . It is enough for him to work on Idling no more than one minute - and you can start moving. But you still have to spend a minute, and there will be additional fuel consumption.

If the car is used in winter from time to time, then the losses for warming up will not have a significant impact. But for cars that are used daily, the extra fuel to warm up the engine twice a day (before driving to work, and before returning from work) is a fairly substantial increase in overall costs.

And it's not just the engine that needs to be warmed up. Transmission oil and bearing grease become thicker in cold weather and take time to warm up and reach operating conditions. And during this time, you will have to overcome additional resistance and spend additional fuel on this.

According to various estimates, additional fuel consumption for warming up the engine and all systems can reach 5 - 10%

Of course, these are average values - the exact losses depend on weather conditions and the make of the car.

Deteriorating road conditions

Driving on winter roads requires extra effort from the car, which requires additional fuel. Here are the main reasons that worsen the movement of the car in winter:

Tire grip in winter conditions is worse than in summer. Even on compacted snow it is more difficult to move than on asphalt. This is when driving without any obstacles. But additional problems are created by slippage in slippery areas, especially when starting off. But you have to drive right after the snowfall, when the snow has not yet been compacted. The increased consumption of gasoline during difficult traffic is obvious.
Getting into snowdrifts or drifts leads to engine operation at high speeds. And leaving a parked car after a heavy snowfall is another story altogether. Just to get out of the parking snow, sometimes you have to spend fuel like a medium-duration trip
When driving on winter country roads you have to be careful and drive with a reduced (compared to summer conditions) speed . Therefore, it is not always possible to maintain the most economical driving mode.
Traffic jams. Of course, they also occur in the summer, and statistics say that there are even more of them in the summer. But in winter they are bigger. Due to snowdrifts after a snowfall, many roads can only drive in one lane in each direction. And any accident often leads not to restriction, but practically to the cessation of traffic on this road.

Increasing power consumption

Few people dare to ride in winter without the included stoves . In decent frosts, the interior heater has to constantly work on full power. In addition to the salon you have to separately heat the rear windows and mirrors. And you can’t get anywhere - this is a safety issue. And the engine provides energy for the operation of all heaters, spending extra liters of gasoline on it.

Starting an engine in cold weather is often not as quick and easy as in warm weather. As a result, the battery discharges more after a winter start. And at low temperatures, even a disconnected battery holds a charge less than in heat. AND the generator needs to run longer to restore the nominal charge of the battery , which also consumes fuel.

Little things

Aerodynamic drag . Cold air exerts increased resistance to vehicle movement. Therefore, in winter, even when driving at optimal speeds, fuel consumption is higher. Under certain conditions, this is not a trifle. In severe frosts (-40 and more), only because of this factor, you can use 10% more gasoline than with summer +20.
Tire pressure . As the temperature drops, tire pressure also goes down. The dependence is approximately 0.1 atmosphere for every 10 degrees of temperature. Abnormally low pressure leads not only to tire wear, but also to an increase in fuel consumption.
In carburetor engines with constant adjustments at low air temperatures fuel-air mixture changes its characteristics , which affects the operation of the engine and leads to increased fuel consumption.

It will not work to achieve the same fuel consumption in summer and winter - the conditions are too different. And in winter, the car will still consume more gasoline. For example, the official website of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation regulates an increase in winter fuel consumption rates by 5 - 20%. Moreover, an increase of 5% is set for the southern regions, but for the northern regions, where the influence of winter is much higher, a 20% surcharge is recommended.

But this difference can be reduced by knowing the causes of its occurrence and, if possible, reducing their influence.

Ways to reduce fuel consumption in winter

Engine

Reducing the warm-up time of the engine at idle is a big contribution to saving gasoline. It is best to start driving immediately after reaching the minimum temperature that does not interfere with the normal operation of the engine. When driving in low gears, the engine warms up to operating temperature faster. And all lubrication units will also warm up faster on the go. But also You can't completely stop warming up. . Fuel economy can be achieved, but the damage to the engine itself can be such that the economy will go sideways. We need to look for the golden mean. Picking the time idle warm-up it is better to focus on the recommendations of the car manufacturer, as well as on your own experience and feel of your car.
Best way out - keep the car in a warm garage. At least the morning departure will pass without a long warm-up.
take care insulation engine compartment . Modern "blankets" allow you to extend the cooling of the engine up to outdoor temperature for a few hours. In some situations, this will allow you to do without idle warming up at all.
Special winter oils are gradually being replaced by all-season ones. Pouring special oil in winter may not be worth it. And here hold before winter season oil change will be useful for the car . Don't wait until the scheduled time. The new oil will obviously make the engine work easier.

Tires

Change tires under winter conditions It's more of a safety issue. The economy here is secondary, but it is also present. Yes, tires winter tread less economical compared to summer ones. But this is in equal conditions, and when driving on a good road. In winter, conditions are far from equal to those in summer, and the quality of the road is often much worse. This is where winter tires will cover all their "shortcomings" and ultimately help save a lot of fuel. Driving on freshly fallen snow, reducing slippage, overcoming snowdrifts - this is where the superiority of winter tires is undeniable.
It is important to remember about decrease in tire pressure when the temperature drops . You can not bring the pressure to values that are outside the normal range. In winter, it is better to control this parameter more often.

power usage

It is not worth saving on interior and rear window heating in winter . The work of these energy consumers is a severe necessity from which there is no escape. But it is recommended to limit the inclusion of other energy consumers - for example, a sound system. Especially until the engine is fully warmed up and the battery is charged after starting.

Driving pattern

Driving in winter is different from driving in summer. There are a lot of tips on this topic, but now we are only talking about saving fuel.

Necessary avoid sudden starts . The car can simply stay in place, skidding on inopportunely turned up ice.
It is desirable to take a more responsible approach to the choice of the route, avoiding traffic . Winter traffic jams are larger, so it's better not to take risks, hoping that it will resolve soon.
Pay close attention to road conditions Andavoiding areas where the machine can get stuck or skid .
Don't park in the first place you see. A small snowdrift or patch of ice can make driving difficult.

Little things

dropped out snow must be removed not only from the windows of the car, but also from the roof and trunk . Excess weight is an extra load on the car.
Worth thinking - Do you need a roof rack in winter? . On long trips, he “steals” fuel in the summer, and in winter this consumption increases.
Healthy carry out an audit of the trunk before the winter season . If possible, remove heavy and not very necessary items from it. A trifle, but the car will be easier. You don’t need to remove the shovel, but on the contrary, put it in the trunk and carry it all winter. You don't need it - that's fine. But sometimes just a few strokes of a shovel can provide a car with a trouble-free exit from a problematic place.

Most of the tips for reducing unwanted fuel consumption come down to one thing: it is difficult for a car in winter, and any help is welcome in its hard work. Help your car even in small things - and it will thank you. Including a slight increase in fuel costs.

Summer and winter consumption fuel: difference, causes, reduction in fuel consumption

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For motorists, it is no secret that in winter a car consumes noticeably more fuel than in summer. Therefore, traveling by car in winter is not economically profitable, but at the same time it is very convenient, and many people prefer to incur extra costs, but at the same time stay warm, comfortable and “on wheels”.

The main causes of fuel consumption in winter

Among the most obvious reasons for more fuel wastage in winter is the fact that in winter, drivers have to warm up their cars for a long time before starting to drive, since the used motor oil thickens due to low temperature. Without sufficient warm-up, a machine equipped with carbureted engine, will stall during movement and constantly “sneeze”, and insufficiently lubricated mechanisms and engine parts will wear out faster.

First of all, the situation with excessive fuel consumption in the cold season is typical in cases where the driver warms up the car daily in the morning, before going to work, and in the evening, before going home from work. Due to the regular warming up of the car in winter, fuel consumption increases by an average of approximately 5-10%, although here, of course, all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular car model must be taken into account.

An additional factor that significantly affects the excessive consumption of fuel in winter can also be called the use of a stove. In conditions of frosty and cold weather, a rare driver will refuse such convenience. At the same time, a stove constantly working while driving can increase fuel consumption by an average of 4-6%. In this case, it is also necessary to take into account the features of the brand and model of the vehicle.

In addition to the above reasons for increased fuel consumption in winter, there are several more:

overcoming snow drifts and snowdrifts;
slipping.

The extra drag on a snowy road requires more fuel because it uses more power from the car's engine. The same applies to car slipping - slippery, icy roads and attempts to overcome a snowdrift when stuck in it require the engine to operate at high speeds, which inevitably leads to increased fuel consumption.

It has been observed that prolonged slipping or trying to get out of a snowdrift requires approximately the same amount of fuel as would be required for a normal city trip under normal conditions.

Simple Solutions

There are several best ways to reduce winter fuel consumption without putting too much effort into it and without investing a significant amount of money. So, for example, when slipping, you should not turn the steering wheel hard, trying to get out of a snowdrift - it’s better, slowly turning the steering wheel, to try to “grope” for a sufficiently suitable area for grip between the surface and the wheels. You can try to put branches, boards or something similar that is nearby under the wheels, or sprinkle sand on the road in front of the car.

It is possible to ensure effective fuel control in winter by installing special "winter tires". It has been noted that motorists using special tires for winter roads, are less prone to slipping and problems with snowdrifts, which significantly affects fuel consumption and financial costs. When choosing winter tires it is better to consult with experts and choose those that are best suited for a specific make and model of car.

The main causes of fuel consumption in winter

Among the most obvious reasons for more fuel wastage in winter is the fact that in winter, drivers have to warm up their cars for a long time before driving, because the engine oil used thickens due to low temperatures. Without sufficient warming up, a car equipped with a carburetor engine will stall while driving and constantly “sneeze”, and insufficiently lubricated mechanisms and engine parts will wear out faster.

In addition to the above reasons for increased fuel consumption in winter, there are several more:

overcoming snow drifts and snowdrifts;
slipping.

It has been observed that prolonged slipping or trying to get out of a snowdrift requires approximately the same amount of fuel as would be required for a normal city trip under normal conditions.

Simple Solutions

It is possible to ensure effective fuel control in winter by installing special "winter tires". It has been noted that motorists using special tires for winter roads are less prone to slipping and problems with snowdrifts, which significantly affects fuel consumption and financial costs. When choosing winter tires, it is better to consult with specialists and choose those that are best suited for a specific make and model of car.