Cold weather = bad gas mileage?

[JET]

The air has some to do with it, the rest is the grease in the wheels, tranny fluid, everything gets thicker and causes more drag. The engines run a little rich when it is cold out to make a little more heat too. That is why you don't have to put cardboard in front of the radiators anymore, unlike the old days of carbs.

[TwoTalons]

Originally Posted by JET

the rest is the grease in the wheels, tranny fluid, everything gets thicker and causes more drag. The engines run a little rich when it is cold out to make a little more heat too. That is why you don't have to put cardboard in front of the radiators anymore, unlike the old days of carbs.

Bingo!

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by JET

the rest is the grease in the wheels, tranny fluid, everything gets thicker and causes more drag. The engines run a little rich when it is cold out to make a little more heat too.

I don't buy that. My car sure is stiff when I start driving, but loosens right up after a bit. Are you serious about running rich to make more heat? I've never heard of such a thing.

[JET]

Originally Posted by Matt D.

I don't buy that. My car sure is stiff when I start driving, but loosens right up after a bit. Are you serious about running rich to make more heat? I've never heard of such a thing.

I don't care if you buy it or not, it is true. Your car loosens up some, but not as much as when it is warmer out. The engine and tranny loosen up to near normal, but the wheel bearings do not. Yes cars do run a bit richer when it is cold too. A smaller factor in play is the air is more dense so it causes more drag on the car going through the air. There is less drag on the tires though, since they are harder when it is cold out.

[dylan]

Winter fuel is also different than summer