Why Does a Car Consume More in Winter and How to Save?

A car's fuel consumption increases in winter for several reasons, all related to low temperatures and the specific conditions of the cold season. One of the main factors is the cold engine: when we start the car in the morning, the engine needs more fuel to reach its optimal operating temperature, a process that takes longer in a cold environment. This means the injection system will deliver a larger amount of fuel, enriching the mixture for efficient cold combustion.

Besides the engine, engine oil and transmission fluid become more viscous at low temperatures, which increases internal resistance and requires more effort from the engine to get the components moving. Also, winter tires, with a softer compound and deeper tread, generate higher rolling resistance than summer tires, also contributing to increased consumption. Last but not least, the intensive use of heating, defrosting systems, and other electrical accessories (heated seats, heated steering wheel) strains the alternator, which in turn puts an additional load on the engine. All these aspects add up, turning a 50-liter tank of gasoline, which today costs an average of 505 lei, into an investment with a lower return per distance traveled.

The increase in fuel consumption in winter varies considerably depending on the type of car, driving style, trip duration, and weather conditions. Generally, estimates show an increase of 10% to 20% in urban traffic, where most trips are short and the engine doesn't get to reach optimal temperature. On the highway, where the engine operates at a constant speed, the increase may be smaller, around 5% to 10%.

To put these percentages into financial perspective, let's consider today's average prices: gasoline 95 is 10.10 lei/L, and diesel is 10.90 lei/L. A 10% increase means an additional cost of approximately 1.01 lei/L for gasoline and 1.09 lei/L for diesel. If we fill a 50-liter tank, the additional cost could reach 50.5 lei for gasoline or 54.5 lei for diesel, solely due to winter conditions. These amounts, accumulated over a month, can represent a considerable expense in every driver's budget.

Cold starting is undoubtedly a critical moment for fuel consumption, having a significant impact. When the engine is cold, its management system detects the low temperature and adjusts the air-fuel mixture, enriching it. This is similar to using the "choke" on older cars, aiming to ensure stable combustion and allow the engine to quickly reach operating temperature. Essentially, more gasoline or diesel is injected than would be necessary under normal temperature conditions.

In addition to the rich mixture, the car's catalytic converter, responsible for reducing pollutant emissions, only functions efficiently at high temperatures. To heat it up as quickly as possible, the engine may run at slightly higher RPMs immediately after starting, which, again, involves increased consumption. Throughout this time, until the engine reaches the optimal temperature of 90 degrees Celsius – a process that takes longer in winter – the car will consume considerably more. Today, with an average gasoline price of 10.10 lei/L and diesel at 10.90 lei/L, every minute of running with a cold engine translates into additional expenses.

Yes, winter tires have a direct influence on fuel consumption, contributing to its increase. The main cause is rolling resistance. Unlike summer tires, winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound that maintains its flexibility at low temperatures, offering superior grip on snow and ice. This softer rubber, along with a more aggressive tread pattern with larger blocks, creates a contact surface with the road that offers greater rolling resistance.

Also, tire pressure decreases in cold conditions, and an underinflated tire has even greater rolling resistance. If we don't check and adjust the pressure regularly, we can contribute even more to increased consumption. Even a minor difference in efficiency can add up, especially when we consider that the price difference between the minimum and maximum gasoline price between stations is 0.28 lei/L, indicating that every detail matters in optimizing fuel costs.

The heating system and other winter-specific electrical accessories play an important role in increasing fuel consumption. First of all, the air conditioning system fan, along with the electric heating elements (especially in cars with electric or hybrid powertrains, but also those with internal combustion that use auxiliary heaters), require considerable electrical energy. This energy is generated by the car's alternator, which is driven by the engine. Therefore, the higher the electrical consumption, the more the alternator demands from the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Besides heating the cabin, we also use other accessories that consume energy: defogging the rear window and mirrors, heating the seats, the steering wheel, or the windshield. All these electrical components, although they add comfort and safety, contribute to the car's total electrical load and, consequently, to fuel consumption. If we analyze the costs, a full tank of diesel fuel of 50 liters costs today on average 545 lei, and each additional energy resource we request from the car adds to this amount, reducing autonomy and overall efficiency.

There are several practical methods by which we can reduce fuel consumption in cold weather, even in the face of unavoidable factors. First of all, drive preventively and smoothly. Sudden acceleration and aggressive braking put excessive strain on the engine and consume more fuel, especially on slippery surfaces. Maintaining a constant speed and using engine braking effectively can make a noticeable difference. Also, avoid unnecessary high RPMs; they exponentially increase consumption.

Regularly check tire pressure, at least once a week. Cold reduces pressure, and underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. It is recommended to adhere to the values indicated by the manufacturer. Avoid letting the car idle to warm up; the engine warms up more efficiently while driving, even if you do so at low RPMs initially. In addition to these tips, plan your routes and consolidate short trips to allow the engine to warm up only once. Last but not least, consult our platform to find the best fuel prices from the 1375 stations with valid prices, as savings of a few cents per liter add up quickly.

Besides the factors already mentioned, there are other, perhaps less obvious, causes that contribute to increased fuel consumption during winter. One of them is represented by roads covered with snow, ice, or mud. The car makes an extra effort to maintain traction and stability, and the rolling resistance increases significantly. An engine working harder to overcome these obstacles will automatically consume more.

Also, short trips, typical for many urban drivers, are particularly inefficient in winter. If the engine doesn't reach its optimal operating temperature during a journey of only a few kilometers, it will constantly operate in "heating" mode, consuming more. The car's aerodynamics can also be affected by layers of snow or ice accumulated on the body, generating greater rolling resistance. All these aspects, added to the average price of 4.71 lei/L for automotive LPG (considered a more economical alternative), highlight the importance of careful analysis of driving style and road conditions in the cold season.

The decision to switch to LPG to save money in winter, and throughout the year, is certainly worth considering. According to our data, automotive LPG has an average price of 4.71 lei/L, while 95 gasoline is 10.10 lei/L. This means a difference of 5.39 lei/L in favor of LPG, a substantial saving on every liter refueled.

Even though installing an LPG system involves an initial investment, it can be amortized relatively quickly, especially if you cover considerable distances. For a 50-liter fill-up, the cost with gasoline is 505 lei, while with LPG it would be approximately 235.5 lei (50L * 4.71 lei/L). This significant difference, of almost 270 lei per fill-up, translates into a massive reduction in fuel expenses. In the long run, even with slightly higher LPG consumption (which is often offset by the price difference), the savings are undeniable, making LPG a viable solution for many drivers looking to optimize their costs, regardless of the season.