With the approaching winter months, comes rising consumption of fuel. Fuel consumption in cold weather can sometimes rise by as much as 50% which is not only hard on your wallet, but the environment as well. Canadians have a unique appreciation of the environment; therefore we have collected the following pointers in order to help you stay “green” all winter. 

Warm Up By Driving, Not Idling

Once a vehicle is running, the best way to warm it up is to drive it. With computer-controlled, fuel-injected engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before driving away. Anything more wastes fuel and increases emissions.

Besides, more than the engine needs to be warmed up. So do the wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires, and that can happen only when the vehicle is moving. For a typical vehicle, it takes at least five kilometres of driving to warm these components to operating temperature.

Although it is important to drive away as soon as possible after a cold start (but not before the windows are defrosted!), avoid high speeds and rapid acceleration for the first five kilometres or so. The goal is to bring the whole vehicle up to peak operating temperature as quickly as possible while maximizing fuel economy.

Lighten Your Load

You already know that extra weight increases fuel consumption. Snow building up in wheel wells and under bumpers adds weight and rubs against tires, further increasing rolling resistance. And snow piled on top of the vehicle increases aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight. For safety as well as fuel economy, clear snow off your vehicle before you drive away.

Tire Inflation

Your tires need special attention during the winter. Cold temperatures reduce the air pressure. This just adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Each tire that is under–inflated by 2 psi (14 kPa) causes a 1 % increase in fuel consumption.

Correct tire pressure is vital for fuel economy, safe vehicle handling and long tire life. Before adding air to your tires, let some air out of each valve and blow some air out of the hose. This prevents moisture from gathering in the tire valve, where it can freeze and cause the valve to leak. If possible, use your own tire pressure gauge, since the gauges built into air pumps at service stations are often inaccurate.

Plan Your Trips

Trip planning is particularly important in the winter: the fewer cold starts you make, the better. Instead of several quick trips, combine all your errands into one run and select your route carefully. If you leave the vehicle briefly, the engine should stay relatively warm. As a result, fuel consumption and pollution levels will be minimized when you restart it (but don't idle!). 

Take It Easy

One last tip for winter driving – take it easy. The more your vehicle slips and slides and spins its wheels, the more fuel you waste and the more you increase the chance of an accident. In winter conditions you also need more room to stop, so increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.