Two Simple Ways to Improve Gas Mileage In the Winter
By Scott Siegel
Along with cold weather and snow, winter brings it's own particular challenges to maintaining and improving gas mileage. There are a few specific things you need to do in the winter to maintain good fuel economy.
Make sure your oil is the proper grade for winter. As temperatures drop it causes the oil in your car to become thicker. If it gets too thick it will not be able to properly lubricate your engine. Not only will an engine that isn't properly lubricated use more gas but it can also sustain considerable damage. It could even cause damage to the point where the engine would need to be replaced.
Check your owners manual to determine the proper grade of oil for the winter. Generally cold temperatures require a thinner oil then you would use during warm weather. If you are using a multi-grade oil it might work just fine in the winter. Again, check your manual or ask your car dealer what the proper grade for your car is.
If you are a do-it-your-self person, you can get oil and good advice from any automotive product store. They will be able to help you determine the best oil for your car. If you prefer not to do it yourself, the 10 minute oil change stores are a good place to have it done. They are much less expensive than a dealer and they make it completely painless, drive your car in wait 10 minutes and then you are on your way.
A second problem that cold weather brings is a change in your tire pressure. In cold weather the tire pressure drops. If your tires were at the proper pressure at 70 degrees, those same tires will be 5 to 10 pounds too low at 20 degrees and will be 7 to 14 pounds too low at zero degrees.
The most common gas robbing condition drivers face is low tire pressure. It is estimated that at least 25 per cent of all cars on the road have at least one tire that is too low. At 5 to 10 pounds under inflated you will be decreasing your miles per gallon by 2 to 4 percent.
Every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature results in a one to two pound reduction in tire pressure. If you set your pressures in November, they'll be too low in February.
To correct and prevent the problem of low tire pressure you need to check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Check them every month at a minimum. Also check them when there is a significant fall in temperatures.
It is a good idea to get a tire gauge and keep it in your glove compartment. That way you can easily check your tires whenever needed. You won't have to make that extra trip to the gas station. There are many types available. I would suggest one with a dial or digital so that you can read it easily. Any store that carries automotive parts will have them.
These are just two of the gas robbing situations that winter causes. You can prevent the loss of fuel economy and in fact improve gas mileage by being aware of these conditions and take steps to avoid them.
Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of industry insider information
on saving gas and money at the pump. Visit us to learn how you can
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