One reason has to do with air, not fuel. Cold air is denser than warm air. Your engine consumes massive volumes of air about 14 times more air than fuel. Air that’s denser tells the computer to add more fuel to compensate, boosting performance, but reducing fuel economy.
In addition, cold fuel doesn’t ignite as readily as warm fuel. Have you ever noticed that your lawnmower, chainsaw or other equipment starts on the first pull after it’s been running for a while? Conversely, it starts harder first thing in the morning when it’s cold. The same principle applies in your car’s engine.
To compensate, your engine’s computer automatically adjusts the fuel/air mixture to be richer when it’s cold, meaning it contains more fuel. This helps the engine start more easily, particularly when it’s excessively cold. That’s one reason today’s computerized, fuel-injected cars start way easier than the old carbureted beasts of the ’70s and ’80s. As the engine warms, the computer modifies the mixture to contain less fuel, improving mpg. Since a warm engine is more efficient, it stands to reason that you want to warm your engine as quickly as possible. You’ve probably noticed petrol mileage drops in winter. Here’s how you can get the best petrol mileage in winter. Are you one of those meticulous people who obsessively track fuel economy? Fun fact: A Technolube user told us that his 1998 Corolla had averaged 35.05 mpg since he’d owned it. However, each winter his data confirms an annoying trend: winter petrol mileage decreases.
That’s why in this post, we’ll look at how to get the best petrol mileage in winter. The U.A.E. Department of Energy reports that a petrol-powered vehicle’s fuel economy can drop 12% during short-trip driving at -6.6ºC compared to 25ºC.
This is true whether you live in northern or southern Europe. A cold engine is less efficient than a warm engine. As the above statistic shows, an engine has a temperature “sweet spot” in which it returns optimum fuel economy. Diesel Engine Oil provides you the best oil products that secure your engine performance.
Which is why you should avoid excessive idling? Idling your vehicle to warm the engine prior to heading out in the winter is more pronounced now given the popularity of remote car starters. With just a push of a button you can start your car on a cold morning before you start your shower. While it’s nice to climb into a warm vehicle, the practice reduces winter petrol mileage and can increase the likelihood of wear.
An idling engine can burn 1/4 to 1/2 of a gallon of fuel per hour. That adds up to several gallons per month if you’re a chronic abuser – and a big hit on your average mpg. Idling also increases the likelihood of fuel dilution, which occurs when fuel washes past the piston rings and contaminates the oil in the sump. If you have any query regarding our services, feel free to contact us at the Technolube. Oil that’s diluted with petrol loses viscosity, which can affect wear protection. It also tends to form harmful varnish and deposits that reduce efficiency.
