Winter driving can take a toll on your vehicle’s fuel economy.
One of the biggest fuel-wasters during the winter months: Warming up your car in the driveway on cold mornings. Whether you live in an area that rains, snows or both, warming up the car means you’re getting no miles to the gallon during that time. Try to keep warm-ups to a minimum to avoid wasting fuel. Over the course of the winter, the wasted fuel can really add up! Most newer cars don’t benefit from the ritual anyway, experts say.
In addition, the pressure in a car’s tires can drop in cold weather. And low tire pressure can lead to decreased fuel mileage. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check your tire pressure frequently throughout the winter months. Winter also means more stop and start driving, which also means fewer miles per gallon. And using four-wheel drive can increase fuel consumption.
The winter months can be hard on your vehicle. Here are some ways to make sure you stay safe out there, whether you encounter rain, ice or snow.
