Petrol and diesel drivers could face higher fuel consumption this winter, with colder temperatures expected to impact vehicle efficiency, experts warn.
Specialists from BookMyGarage, a motoring comparison site, have highlighted that winter weather may cause significant fuel inefficiencies. Drivers could find themselves refueling more often, potentially affecting holiday budgets.
Research shows that fuel economy in regular petrol cars drops by about 15% during colder months. However, the drop can be as high as 24% for short trips of just three to five miles. Drew Hickman, a motoring expert at BookMyGarage, explained that colder temperatures make it harder for vehicle components to warm up, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel than in milder weather.
Hickman noted, “Engines need more fuel to reach normal operating temperatures in the winter, as the temperature difference between the air and the engine is larger. This means it takes longer for the engine to warm up.”
Additionally, winter driving conditions are often more demanding. Frequent acceleration and braking, especially in congested areas like shopping centers during the holiday season, can lead to increased fuel usage. Hickman also pointed out that cold weather reduces tire traction, increasing rolling resistance and making the engine work even harder to keep the car moving.
Michelin explained that winter fuel consumption is also linked to a basic physical principle: the colder, denser air in winter increases fuel density. As a result, engines consume more fuel for the same amount of air and petrol mixture.
According to RAC Fuel Watch, the average price of petrol is currently 135.72p per litre, the lowest since September 2021. Diesel prices have also dropped significantly, averaging 140.85p per litre, down from 158p per litre in May, marking the cheapest diesel prices since October 2021.
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