How do warm temperatures affect a vehicle’s MPG?
As temperatures rise during the summer months, drivers keep themselves and their passengers comfortable by either turning on the air conditioning or rolling down the windows for a breeze—but how do these actions affect the vehicle’s fuel economy? How do warm temperatures affect a vehicle’s MPG? This is a question that many drivers are asking, and Howdy Honda is here to provide some answers. Continue reading for more information, as well as some tips for improved MPG during the hotter months of the year.
According to the U.S. department of energy, hot weather can actually increase a vehicle’s fuel economy because of three main reasons: the engine warms up to an efficient temperature faster; summer grades of gasoline have a bit more energy; and warm air causes less aerodynamic drag than cold air. So hot weather itself helps fuel economy—it is how drivers respond to the hot weather that determines their MPG. Both using the AC and rolling down windows reduce fuel economy by fairly significant amounts.
The main contributor to reduced fuel economy is AC use—its effect depends on a number of factors like humidity and the intensity of the sun, but under extremely hot conditions AC use can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%. When it comes to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles, the effect can be even larger. Driving with the windows down also reduces MPG—open windows increase aerodynamic drag which makes vehicles use more energy to push through the air. This effect is small at low speeds but increases at highway speeds.
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Tips for improved fuel economy in hot weather
Following these tips will help drivers get the most out of their fuel.
- Roll the windows down at lower speeds and use the AC at highway speeds.
- Park in the shade or use a sunshade to keep the cabin cooler.
- Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC; this will put less demand on the AC and help the vehicle cool down faster.
- Don’t idle with the AC running before driving; most AC systems will cool the vehicle faster while driving.
- Read the owner’s manual to learn how to best use and maintain the AC system.
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