Is Gas Mileage Worse in the Winter?
As the mercury falls so can your vehicle’s gas mileage, as cold weather can wreak havoc on your fuel economy. Conventional gasoline-powered vehicles can experience a 15 percent drop in efficiency while hybrids dip to a 30 percent loss when temperatures drop from 77 degrees to 20 degrees, respectively. Electric vehicles report the greatest deficit in fuel economy of nearly 40 percent. Nearly two-thirds of the energy consumption in the EV’s is used to heat the cabin space.
Cold weather has several adverse effects on your vehicle's gas mileage.
Your drivetrain has increased friction as oil and other fluids are at a lower temperature, thus taking longer for your engine to reach temperatures that are more fuel efficient. Your battery also lacks peak performance in cold weather which requires the alternator to work harder to keep it charged. Add some amenities like heated fans, window defrosters, and heated seats, and you’ll be pulling additional power from your vehicle. Gas mileage also suffers as many drivers will let their vehicle idle to warm up prior to driving.
When road conditions deteriorate from cold weather precipitation, your gas mileage will drop even more. A cruise through a winter wonderland could be a nightmare for you fuel efficiency. In fact, switching your vehicle into four-wheel drive and slowing your rate of speed on slick winter roads negatively impacts your gas mileage.
Are Subaru Vehicles Good on Gas Mileage?
Since the first Subaru rolled down an American highway 54 years ago, Subarus have kept their reputation as safe, reliable, and fuel efficient vehicles. Subaru ranks as one the top manufacturers of fuel efficient automobiles. With cutting edge engineering and the most advanced technology on the road, your Subaru is loaded with fuel saving equipment, including:- Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Subaru Boxer Engine
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Subaru StarDrive Technology
- Aerodynamic Design
In inclement winter weather or during a cold spell, Subuar’s technology gives drivers the best chance at good gas mileage.
Keep your Vehicle Maintained to Improve Gas Mileage
While many drivers face the challenges of cold weather, there are a few ways to help improve your fuel economy. Try these tips to improve gas mileage:
- Use manufacturer-recommended motor oil for cold weather.
- Check tire pressure regularly.
- Reduce idling time to warm up your car. Most manufacturers do not recommend more than 30 seconds of idling time.
- Keep your car in a warmer environment such as a garage if available.
- Minimize the number of short trips on a cold engine.
- Minimize the use of seat heaters, defrosters, and cabin heaters (for hybrids or electric vehicles).
You can’t control the weather, but by keeping these suggestions in mind, your Subaru will lead the pack in gas mileage through those cold, dark winter months.
Evaluate Rooftop Accessories for Better Gas Mileage
After the season of summer fun comes to a close, it’s important to maximize the aerodynamics of your Subaru to offset winter’s diminishing gas mileage. Removing roof top carriers, bike racks, and other accessories when not in use, will significantly reduce wind resistance and increase fuel economy. Removing bulky items from your roof not only improves aerodynamics, but also removes weight from your vehicle. Only traveling with necessities and keeping your cargo load to a minimum can greatly improve gas mileage.
Watch your Speed for Better Gas Mileage!
How heavy you are on your accelerator can be an effective means of improving your gas mileage. In other words, driving the speed limit improves fuel economy. Once you break the 50-60 miles per hour threshold, gas mileage drops off significantly. Utilizing your cruise control feature during highway driving can offer fuel savings. Your vehicle consumes the greatest amount of gas during acceleration. Using cruise control along with accelerating and braking gradually and gently improves gas mileage.
What not to do for Better Gas Mileage this Winter
There are many myths regarding the improvement of gas mileage. Some of these fallacies are simply ineffective, others will cost you more in the long run. One of the most popular claims is that the use of fuel additives will improve gas mileage. Most additives available at auto-parts retailers fail. Another misnomer is that using premium gasoline improves gas mileage. Your Subaru is engineered to run on regular gasoline and there is no advantage to fuel economy in paying premium fuel prices.
Talk to the Service Department at Rafferty Subaru for Gas Mileage Advice!
With the temperatures falling, now’s the time to talk with one of our friendly service staff about how to maximize your Subaru’s gas mileage through the winter season. Please contact our service department at (610) 353-6900. Happy and safe travels!
