As the cold sets in, many drivers notice that their fuel consumption increases. The reasons lie not only in the freezing temperatures, but also in the specific demands of winter driving. The engine takes longer to warm up, the battery loses power, and the tires become less flexible. Add to this the short trips, frequent stops, and the desire to stay warm in the cabin. All these factors quietly push up fuel consumption, even if your driving style remains unchanged.
However, there is one simple trick that can significantly reduce fuel consumption in winter. Most drivers have heard about it, but rarely put it into practice. Yet this method requires no technical skills or special effort — just the willingness to change one habit.
Get Moving Without Delay
The main winter fuel-saving tip is not to let your car idle after starting the engine. Many drivers still believe that the engine needs to warm up for several minutes before setting off. In reality, modern cars are built to start driving almost immediately after ignition.
Letting the engine idle causes fuel consumption to soar. While the car stands still, gasoline is burned for nothing, and the engine warms up more slowly. The best option is to start the car, wait 20–30 seconds for the oil to circulate, and then gently begin to drive. This approach helps the engine reach operating temperature faster and reduces wear and tear.
How the Cold Affects Your Car
Winter air is denser than in summer, which means greater resistance to motion. The engine has to work harder to maintain its usual performance. Additionally, cold tires have less grip on the road and tire pressure drops, both of which further increase fuel consumption.
Short trips are another enemy of fuel efficiency. Until the engine warms up, it uses more fuel. If possible, combine errands and avoid unnecessary stops along your route. The longer the engine runs in optimal mode, the less gasoline you use.
Interior settings
Many people worry that turning on the heater will sharply increase fuel consumption. In reality, the heater uses warmth already generated by the engine. It doesn’t have a significant effect on fuel costs. It’s much more important not to overuse extra features like seat, mirror, or rear window heaters. Turn them off as soon as you don’t need them anymore.
The optimal cabin temperature is 20–21 degrees Celsius. That’s enough to keep you comfortable and focused behind the wheel. At the start of your trip, you can use the air recirculation mode—this will help the cabin warm up faster. Afterwards, switch to fresh air intake.
Technical aspects
Don’t forget about your battery’s condition—winter puts extra strain on it. A weak battery can cause electronic failures and increase fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly: even a slight drop increases rolling resistance and, as a result, fuel costs.
A smooth driving style is another way to save. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, especially before the engine has warmed up. Use higher gears to keep engine revs low. This approach not only saves fuel but also extends your car’s lifespan.
In case you didn’t know, Spain’s leading car manufacturers such as SEAT and Grupo Volkswagen have been using technologies to reduce winter fuel consumption for years. Their engineers recommend that drivers monitor vehicle condition and adjust driving habits based on the season. Thanks to these tips, motorists across Spain save hundreds of euros every year.
