I have a small hatchback with a 4 cylinder engine. I've noticed that my gas mileage is about 3-5 more miles to the gallon in winter compared to summer. There is no change in amount or type of driving between these seasons. Why do I get better mileage when the weather is cold?
2007-02-03 13:28:28 · 7 answers · asked by Dannyboy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
When air is cold,it is much denser than hot air.This raises the compression ratio which in turn produces a more complete combustion cycle and lowers the engines fuel demands.Also,the atoms in cold gasoline are more aligned and mix with the air more thouroughly resulting in better combustion.You've probably noticed you car having more power in the winter too.
2007-02-03 14:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by David F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold air can carry more oxygen per unit volume than warm air. Your computer measures the amount of air going into the car to decide how much gas to inject. Some cars measure the oxygen in the exhaust with an oxygen sensor and some cars measure the oxygen entering at the intake.
2007-02-03 13:58:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the molecules in the fuel are cold making them bunch together. Which is also why a cold air intake will give you more HP, plus some dragsters((amature circuts) will wrap the fuel line around a tin can and keep ice in it in warmer weather to get the same effect this also works in personal vehicles..
2007-02-03 13:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by wickedredneckclown 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cold air is much more condensed than hot air. When that enters the cylinders it gives a higher compression which gives the motor more power causing it to work less.
2007-02-03 13:35:49 · answer #4 · answered by big D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gas is also blended different in winter. Could be the combination of cold air and a different fuel blend.
2007-02-03 13:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by renpen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it is colder out, more air can be crammed into the intake manifold in which the air/fuel mixture will burn stronger and more rappid instead of sluggish. That's one good thing about cold air intakes, it not only gives you more hp, but it also gives you better mpg.
2007-02-03 13:37:17 · answer #6 · answered by timmy_1209 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well part of it is when the air is cold you ahve better combustion because cold air is more dense than warm air. another big cause is if you run the air conditioner in the summer it eats a lot of milage where in the winter your heater is passive, instead of a belt driven ac pump
2007-02-03 13:33:09 · answer #7 · answered by noah 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋