Car fuel consumption increases sharply during extreme weather, according to findings from automotive news site Jalopnik and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Severe freezing temperatures create the harshest conditions for fuel economy, causing vehicles to burn significantly more fuel than they do in mild weather.
Data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency shows that at minus 7 degrees Celsius, fuel consumption is on average 15 percent higher than at a comfortable temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Drivers taking short winter trips of only 5 to 7 kilometers per day can expect fuel consumption to rise by 24 percent.
The impact of freezing weather is even more severe for alternative powertrains. Cold temperatures increase fuel consumption in hybrid vehicles by 30 to 40 percent, while electric vehicles experience even worse performance drops during the winter months.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is the federal government agency responsible for setting vehicle emissions standards and testing fuel economy. Jalopnik is an American digital publication focusing on automotive news, engineering, and vehicle culture.
Impact of summer heat and air conditioning
Fuel consumption also rises on the hottest days of summer, although high temperatures themselves are not the direct cause of the extra fuel burned. Instead, the increase occurs because drivers turn on air conditioning or climate control systems in the heat.
Heavy use of air conditioning can increase fuel consumption in standard cars by more than 25 percent, according to Environmental Protection Agency data. Short journeys with air conditioning running harm fuel economy more than longer drives, while vehicles with more efficient transmissions experience a larger impact from air conditioning use.
Modern engine oil maintenance guidelines
Alongside weather effects, Jalopnik previously addressed vehicle maintenance routines, explaining why drivers should avoid changing engine oil too frequently. The traditional belief that motor oil must be replaced every 5,000 kilometers is an outdated myth originating several decades ago.
Substantial improvements in oil formulation and engine design mean modern cars require far less frequent oil changes. Modern engines burn fuel more cleanly, avoid overheating, and operate with oil that does not burn off rapidly.
Consequently, modern engines generally do not require fresh engine oil more often than every 8,000 kilometers, while some vehicles can travel approximately 25,000 kilometers before an oil change is necessary.
