Greenville, North Carolina residents enjoy pleasant autumn conditions this time of year. While it feels nice and cool right now, cold weather is coming. Colder weather can affect your vehicle, including its fuel efficiency. Keep your Honda running efficiently this fall by following these tips.
Common Issues Affecting Fuel Efficiency in Cold Weather
Cold weather can present several issues in the colder fall months, influencing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. First, colder temperatures outside mean colder oil and other fluids running through the engine. These cold fluids cannot lubricate the engine parts as well as if it were warmer outside. This can cause an increase in friction in the engine and transmission.
Another complication when driving in the cold is the aerodynamic drag that is caused by the dense cold air. Picking up speed on the highway can be difficult because of the air’s density. Your vehicle is essentially fighting against that drag which negatively impacts the fuel efficiency of your Honda.
Idling is another concern regarding your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Whether you are waiting in traffic or at a red light or parked in your driveway warming up your car, idling can lower fuel economy as idling is burning fuel but receiving 0 miles per gallon.
How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency During the Colder Months
There is always a solution to every problem, and this goes to maximizing fuel efficiency in colder months. While you may battle with a longer time to warm up your Honda sedan or SUV, aerodynamic drag while driving on the highway, or the viscosity of cold fluids not properly oiling your engine’s parts, there are fixes to address the issues. Since your vehicle can take a longer time to warm up when it is cold out, it is best to combine trips to the grocery store, bank, or other errands, so that your vehicle has the proper amount of time to warm up. You can also assist your car in warming up quicker by parking it in a suitable place such as a garage. Though you may use window defrosters or heated seats to help increase the cabin’s temperature, it is wise to use these features sparingly.
Another thing to remember is the aerodynamics while driving in colder weather. Your Honda model will not run as smoothly in the cooler fall temperatures as the density of the air drags the car. You can help your vehicle, however, to remove car accessories like roof racks when not being used. This will aid the efficiency of your car.
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Maintenance Tips for Vehicles During Cold Weather
While there are tricks to help increase your Honda’s fuel efficiency, routine maintenance is also a key. During the fall, you should regularly check that the tire pressure is where it should be. As you check your tire pressure, ensure that you have the proper oil type for cold weather. The correct oil and tire pressure could make all the difference to how fuel-efficiently your vehicle drives in autumn. If you need help with proper auto maintenance, stop by Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, North Carolina, this season.
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