MPG difference in cold vs warm weather

[truckguy82]

Anybody know why it's so different?

 

Here in NJ where there is a stop sign every 1000ft I don't get that good of mileage.

 

Why is it that I average 11mpg in the winter, and soon as it warms up about 15mpg?

 

I understand the air is denser, the fluids are colder, etc etc, but that is a gigantic difference. While only 4mpg at first glance, it's actually like a 37% decrease in fuel consumption when the weather warms up.

 

Even if you eliminate the fluid temps as the culprit (ie driving in an already warmed up truck) the mileage is still horrible in the cold.

 

Granted I'm going by the computer, but still that is usually pretty accurate.

 

 

[newdude]

Winter blend fuels. http://www.atlasoil.com/Blog/Whats-the-Difference-Between-Winter-Blend-and-Summer-Blend-Gasoline

 

Plus, in the winter people tend to run their vehicles longer to warm them up, so any big increase in idling will kill mileage.

[Andy Seibel]

Here in WI, I think we only get the good summer gas for about 4 months a year. (from mid-May to mid-September).

I don't know if that schedule is nationwide or differs locally.

 

But the summer gas is also more expensive, so you could argue that your fuel cost per mile isn't that different seasonally.....

[Sierra706]

Denser air with more resistance, colder fluids and engine, winter gas.

 

 

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[SkiDooNick700]

yea your engine takes a lot longer to warm up so its dumping more fuel in there for quite a bit longer compared to the summer time on the same drive.

 

At operating temp in winter vs summer, the difference would still be there, but it would be a lot less significant in my opinion.

[calgator73]

Cold start emissions... Much better if you keep it in a heated garage

 

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[FreeAmerican]

Don't forget that cold tires don't roll as easy. It all adds up.