cold weather impact on fuel MPGallon
02-05-2019, 11:31 AM
#21
There is also more wind resistance in cold temperatures since the air becomes more dense as the temperature drops.
Even the speed of sound decreases as the temperatures drop due to the higher density.
Even the speed of sound decreases as the temperatures drop due to the higher density.
02-05-2019, 11:37 AM
#22
Senior Member
-35C means:
- slightly lower tire pressure (but no way I am going to change it in that temp or for only a couple days)
- longer remote start times
- we also had snow / compact snow / ice, therefore more 4x4 usage
- takes engine / trans fluid longer to get to operating temps, therefore more resistance in the system
all individually might be minor but cumulatively adds up. I am down probably 15% fuel economy in this weather (I estimate as each tank could be different anyway, but not as much as I am seeing).
- slightly lower tire pressure (but no way I am going to change it in that temp or for only a couple days)
- longer remote start times
- we also had snow / compact snow / ice, therefore more 4x4 usage
- takes engine / trans fluid longer to get to operating temps, therefore more resistance in the system
all individually might be minor but cumulatively adds up. I am down probably 15% fuel economy in this weather (I estimate as each tank could be different anyway, but not as much as I am seeing).
02-05-2019, 12:51 PM
#23
-35C means:
- slightly lower tire pressure (but no way I am going to change it in that temp or for only a couple days)
- longer remote start times
- we also had snow / compact snow / ice, therefore more 4x4 usage
- takes engine / trans fluid longer to get to operating temps, therefore more resistance in the system
all individually might be minor but cumulatively adds up. I am down probably 15% fuel economy in this weather (I estimate as each tank could be different anyway, but not as much as I am seeing).
- slightly lower tire pressure (but no way I am going to change it in that temp or for only a couple days)
- longer remote start times
- we also had snow / compact snow / ice, therefore more 4x4 usage
- takes engine / trans fluid longer to get to operating temps, therefore more resistance in the system
all individually might be minor but cumulatively adds up. I am down probably 15% fuel economy in this weather (I estimate as each tank could be different anyway, but not as much as I am seeing).
YUP'ers there my BC neighbour.
Since last Thursday and going on into sometime next week, we are averaging -28C daytime with the nights hitting -41C with windchill added in ... could be worse if we get any random bad windstorms.
I am not even bothering to check my fuel mileage. Using the remote (set to 5 minutes) usualy twice when the weather gets like this, before heading out.
We just bundle up another layer, and get out and live.
02-05-2019, 01:23 PM
#24
Been driving in Cleveland's wonderful climate for 40 years and every winter no matter what the vehicle my fuel economy drops, some significantly. Probably lost 2 or so MPG last week in the severe cold, and according to the gauge I regained it since Saturday when it warmed up above average. Just something we Rust Belters deal with 
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02-05-2019, 08:52 PM
#25
-35C = -31F.
Tires are concidered “cold” even at 70F as long as they haven’t been driven on. When it is this cold, -41 this morning, the rolling resistance in a tire goes up. This morning when I started out according to my to tpms my tire pressures were at 31-32 psi later when I checked they were at 38-39 psi. So even this cold they do warm up. Also viscosity of fluids goes up as temp goes down requiring more energy to move said fluid. Gear oil, trans fluid, motor oil, grease etc. when all that is stacked up together it adds up to damn stiff.
Tires are concidered “cold” even at 70F as long as they haven’t been driven on. When it is this cold, -41 this morning, the rolling resistance in a tire goes up. This morning when I started out according to my to tpms my tire pressures were at 31-32 psi later when I checked they were at 38-39 psi. So even this cold they do warm up. Also viscosity of fluids goes up as temp goes down requiring more energy to move said fluid. Gear oil, trans fluid, motor oil, grease etc. when all that is stacked up together it adds up to damn stiff.