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Cold-Weather Mileage Tips

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Justin Pritchard
Don't forget these simple tips for saving fuel during cold weather driving!
Don't forget these simple tips for saving fuel during cold weather driving!

The fall and winter bring with them holidays, work, sports and other activities that can occupy the minds of drivers, not to mention the added challenges of navigating through rainy or snow-covered roadways in adverse weather.


Indeed, there can be a lot to think about- including rising fuel costs as travelers take to the roads. Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your vehicle doesn't drink more than its fair share in the cold months.

  • A car with under-inflated tires can use up to 15% more fuel, a figure that gets worse when heavier and more deeply-treaded snow tires are installed. Make sure to keep track of tire pressure as per your owner's manual for a safer ride and improved mileage. Remember, if your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, you should still check pressures by hand.
  • Nobody wants to get into a cold car for the early drive to work. But remember- idling your engine excessively gets you no miles per gallon, and puts your hard-earned money up into the atmosphere wastefully. Bundle up, let the car idle only a few seconds and take off. Even at extremely cold temperatures, your engine only needs a few seconds of warm up before it's ready to go. Check your owner's manual for details.
  • Plugging in your vehicle's block heater allows the engine to reach operating temperature even faster. Mileage is best when the engine is warm- which is another good reason to do several errands in one trip where possible.
  • Don't go reaching for that temperature dial as soon as you start the car. Leaving the blower off and the selector in the 'cold' position for a minute or two as you begin driving will generally allow the engine coolant to heat up the fastest. You'll be a bit colder at first, but warm more quickly.
  • Don't needlessly waste your money on high grade gasoline if your vehicle doesn't need it. There is no horsepower or mileage gain to be had, and petroleum companies don't care if you spend the extra few cents a litre for nothing. This goes for year round.
  • Did you know your vehicle can carry underneath it a hundred pounds of frozen road-muck or more? Its true, and it can cost you money. When possible, visit a car wash and make sure to clean the underside of your ride.
All-wheel-drive cars like this WRX handle winter driving well, but can still benefit hugely from snow tires.

photo:Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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