Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. *Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Does Cold Weather Affect Gas Mileage?
Noticed more trips to the pump once the temperature drops? Here is how much cold weather lowers fuel economy for gas cars, hybrids and EVs, why it happens and what you can do about it, from FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA fuel economy site.
About 15%lower city gas mileage at 20°F than at 77°F for a conventional gas car
Up to 24%lower on short 3- to 4-mile trips
About 30% to 34%drop hybrids can see in the same tests
About 41%less EV range at 20°F, per AAA testing cited by FuelEconomy.gov
The short answer
Yes. FuelEconomy.gov says a conventional gasoline car's city gas mileage is roughly 15% lower at 20°F than at 77°F, and as much as 24% lower on short trips. Hybrids and EVs are typically affected more. Cold fluids, longer warm-up, heaters, denser air, lower tire pressure and winter gasoline all play a part. Parking in a garage, combining trips, limiting idling and checking tire pressure can help.
How much cold weather lowers fuel economy
FuelEconomy.gov compares fuel economy at 20°F with normal temperatures. Effects vary by vehicle model:
| Vehicle type | In cold-weather tests | More detail |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional gasoline vehicle | Roughly 15% lower gas mileage in city driving at 20°F than at 77°F; up to 24% lower on short (3- to 4-mile) trips | Typical loss: 10% to 20% in city driving; 15% to 33% on short trips |
| Hybrid | About 30% to 34% lower under the same conditions | Typical loss: 20% to 40% in city driving; 25% to 45% on short trips |
| Electric vehicle (EV) | Roughly 39% lower fuel economy in mixed city and highway driving, and about 41% less range; about two-thirds of the extra energy goes to heating the cabin | Typical loss varies by model. Without the cabin heater: about 8% lower fuel economy and about 12% less range at 20°F than at 75°F |
From FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, read November 8, 2026. Estimates for gasoline vehicles and hybrids are based on an Oak Ridge National Laboratory analysis; EV estimates are based on a 2019 AAA study.
Why winter fuel economy is lower
FuelEconomy.gov says cold weather affects your vehicle in more ways than you might expect:
- Thicker fluids. Engine and transmission friction increases in cold temperatures because of cold engine oil and other drive-line fluids.
- Longer warm-up. It takes longer for the engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature, which hurts short trips the most.
- Heaters and defrosters. Heated seats, window defrosters and heater fans use additional power.
- Idling to warm up. Warming up the vehicle before a trip lowers fuel economy; idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
- Denser air. Colder air is denser, which increases aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds.
- Lower tire pressure. Tire pressure decreases in colder temperatures, increasing rolling resistance.
- Winter gasoline. Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.
- Weaker batteries. Battery performance drops in the cold, making it harder for the alternator to keep the battery charged; this also affects regenerative braking on hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs.
From FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, read November 8, 2026.
Severe winter weather
In severe winter weather, FuelEconomy.gov says mpg can drop even further:
- Icy or snow-covered roads decrease your tires' grip on the road, wasting energy.
- Safe driving speeds on slick roads can be much lower than normal, further reducing fuel economy, especially at speeds below 30 to 40 mph.
- Using four-wheel drive uses more fuel.
From FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, read November 8, 2026.
How to save fuel in the cold
You may not be able to completely offset the cold, but FuelEconomy.gov lists simple steps that help:
- Park in a warmer place, such as a garage, so the engine and cabin start warmer.
- Combine trips so you drive less often with a cold engine.
- Minimize idling to warm up. FuelEconomy.gov says most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds; the engine warms up faster being driven.
- Don't use seat warmers or defrosters more than necessary.
- Check your tire pressure regularly.
- Use the type of oil your manufacturer recommends for cold-weather driving.
- Remove accessories that add wind resistance, like roof racks, when you are not using them.
From FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, read November 8, 2026.
EVs and plug-in hybrids in winter
Heat the cabin while plugged in. If you drive a plug-in hybrid or EV, FuelEconomy.gov says preheating the cabin while it is plugged into the charger can extend your range.
Use the seat warmers. Using the seat warmers instead of the cabin heater can save energy and extend range. About two-thirds of the extra energy an EV uses in the cold goes to heating the cabin.
Regenerative braking. Cold weather lowers battery performance, which also affects the regenerative braking system on hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs.
From FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. A tire pressure check and battery test before the coldest weather can help; ask our service team which oil your owner's manual recommends for winter driving.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Cold weather fuel economy FAQ
Does cold weather affect gas mileage?
Yes. FuelEconomy.gov says fuel economy tests show a conventional gasoline car's gas mileage is roughly 15% lower in city driving at 20°F than at 77°F, and it can drop as much as 24% on short (3- to 4-mile) trips.
Why is my gas mileage worse in winter?
Cold engine oil and drive-line fluids add friction, the engine takes longer to reach its most efficient temperature, heaters and defrosters use power, colder air adds drag, tire pressure drops, and winter gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon. Idling to warm up also lowers fuel economy.
Should I warm up my car before driving in winter?
FuelEconomy.gov advises minimizing idling to warm up. It says most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds, because the engine warms up faster being driven, so the heat comes on sooner. Follow your owner's manual for your vehicle.
How much range does an EV lose in the cold?
FuelEconomy.gov cites AAA testing showing EV range can drop by about 41% at 20°F in mixed city and highway driving, with about two-thirds of the extra energy used to heat the cabin. Without the cabin heater, range was about 12% lower.
Are hybrids affected more by cold weather?
Typically, yes. FuelEconomy.gov says hybrid fuel economy can drop about 30% to 34% under the same cold-weather test conditions, compared with roughly 15% for a conventional gasoline car in city driving.
How can I keep an EV or plug-in hybrid efficient in winter?
FuelEconomy.gov suggests preheating the cabin while the vehicle is plugged into the charger, and using the seat warmers instead of the cabin heater, to save energy and extend range.
Does four-wheel drive use more fuel in winter?
Yes. FuelEconomy.gov lists using four-wheel drive among the things that use more fuel in severe winter weather, along with slick roads and the lower speeds they require.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Getting ready for winter?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford service team about a tire pressure check, battery test and oil change before the cold sets in.
Sources
Cold-weather fuel economy figures, causes and tips are from FuelEconomy.gov, administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 8, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- FuelEconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. EPA, read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026