How To Save Money On Gas This Winter: 11 Proven Tips
Quick Reference: How To Save Money On Gas This Winter
- Cold hurts mileage: a drop from 75 F to 44 F can raise fuel use by 12 to 28 percent according to FuelEconomy.gov.
- Do not idle to warm up: modern cars are designed to drive after about 30 seconds. Idling wastes fuel and warms the cabin slower than driving.
- Cheapest fill-up day: Mondays in most states per GasBuddy. Thursdays are the priciest.
- Winter roads eat fuel: slush, snow, and drag can raise consumption another 7 to 35 percent.
- Biggest one-move wins: keep tires at spec pressure, remove roof cargo boxes, and combine errands into one trip.
Did you know that as temperatures drop, your vehicle’s fuel consumption climbs? A decrease in temperature from 75 to 44 degrees can lead to a 12 to 28 percent rise in fuel usage. Cold air is denser, causing increased drag on your car. Wind speed tends to be higher in the winter, further boosting aerodynamic resistance and fuel consumption. We cannot control fuel prices or the weather, but the eleven habits below cut what winter takes out of your tank.
These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Energy’s FuelEconomy.gov cold-weather report, which tracks real-world mileage in gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles across a range of cold-weather conditions. Read the tips in order, or jump to the ones you can act on this week.
1) Do not warm up your engine.
Cars today are designed for immediate use, eliminating the need to warm up the engine. After idling for about 30 seconds, you can gently drive away. This method actually warms up the engine faster, allowing your car to heat up more quickly while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. To stay warm, bundle up before entering the vehicle. For children in car seats who cannot wear bulky winter coats, place blankets over them for added warmth.
The Environmental Protection Agency puts it plainly: idling gets zero miles per gallon. Two minutes of idling is roughly equal to a mile of driving in fuel burned.
2) Head to the pump on the cheapest days.
GasBuddy reveals that gas prices tend to be lowest on Mondays in most states. Thursdays are the most expensive days to top off your tank. Planning a stop at a gas station on one of your already planned Monday outings could help you save money on gas costs throughout the winter. Fuel-tracking apps such as GasBuddy, Waze, and Upside also flag the cheapest station within a set radius, and many offer per-gallon cash back at partner brands.
3) Plan your trips better.
Combining your grocery store visits with other errands and events, instead of making multiple short trips, helps conserve energy by reducing your time on the road. To improve fuel efficiency, plan your trip routes carefully. Avoiding routes with traffic, congestion, and construction can lead to significant gas savings.
Fuel-economy tests indicate that in-city driving gas mileage is roughly 15 percent lower at 20 degrees Fahrenheit than it is at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes the longer mileage route will cost you less compared to shorter ones with more stop and go. Both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel, so driving at a constant speed when possible also saves gas.
4) Keep a good distance from the car ahead.
Messy and slippery road conditions lead to increased time spent on the road and a harder-working engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Poor winter road conditions alone can increase fuel consumption by 7 to 35 percent. (Before you head out or plan that trip, check your extended weather forecast.)
Leave a lot of space between your car and the one in front, especially when roads are slick. Keeping one second of space for every 10 miles per hour you are going will give you room to accelerate slowly, and offer more time to brake easily.
If you are traveling 50 mph, give yourself 5 seconds of distance. Tailgating is dangerous anytime but especially during icy weather, and it also requires you to brake and speed up more often, which unnecessarily burns more fuel.
5) Drive patiently.
Following the speed limit and allowing yourself to coast more will boost your fuel efficiency. Safe driving methods are also more important during winter months due to inclement road conditions. Less stop and go, and avoiding the need to slam on your brakes, will yield more bang for your buck at the pump. On the highway, when conditions allow, use cruise control to increase your miles per gallon.
FuelEconomy.gov data show that mileage drops sharply above 50 mph. Every 5 mph over that threshold is roughly equivalent to paying an extra 25 to 30 cents per gallon at $4.00 gas.
6) Check your tire pressure.
Check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months. As temperatures drop, so does the pressure in our tires. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance making your car less efficient, so keeping your tires properly inflated will reduce fuel consumption. Tires can lose about 1 psi for every 10 F drop in outside temperature, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Match the PSI listed on the door-jamb sticker, not the sidewall of the tire.
7) Use snow tires.
Many people question whether it is necessary to use snow tires during the winter season. Although the initial cost of purchasing a set of snow tires may seem burdensome, they can actually help you save on fuel and increase your gas mileage in the long run. Snow tires improve road maneuverability, handling, and traction, which reduces the strain on your engine and allows you to cut back on fuel consumption. They also provide an extra level of security while driving on snowy roads.
Winter tires are less effective in warmer months, specifically when temperatures rise above 44 degrees. In that case, using snow tires would actually make your car work harder, so switch back to regular tires once the weather warms and the snow has melted. This will help you conserve gas during the summer months.
8) Reducing weight reduces gas.
The more weight you are carrying, the more energy your engine requires. Removing any unnecessary items from your trunk, or external items such as bike and roof racks, can reduce the amount of gas you use.
Reports from Fueleconomy.gov state that large roof-top cargo boxes can reduce fuel efficiency by 2 to 8 percent in city driving and 6 to 17 percent on the highway. During winter months, keeping your car clean of ice and snow also helps reduce drag and weight. Brush or broom snow off the entire car to increase miles per gallon.
9) Park where it is warmer.
Parking in warmer places, like your garage or a sunny side of the street, keeps your engine and cabin warmer, improving fuel usage. Parking facing the sun in the cold will also cut down on energy spent defrosting the windshield.
10) Change your oil type and get a winter tune-up.
As the weather cools down, it is important to get your car tuned up. This will ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and give you the best mileage possible. Have your mechanic check for any leaky gas caps, fluids, and change your oil. Also have them check the battery and wheel alignment.
To save money on fuel during cold-weather driving, use the oil types recommended by your car manufacturer. Many modern engines prefer a lower-viscosity synthetic like 0W-20 or 5W-30 in winter, which flows faster at start-up and cuts the first-mile mileage penalty.
11) Cool it on the amenities.
Seat and steering-wheel warmers are a nice touch during frigid temps, but they also draw additional power from the engine. To conserve fuel, use warmers and defrosters only when necessary. Rear defrosters, in particular, draw a heavy current for a short burst, use them until the glass clears, then switch off.
Regional Winter Fuel Realities: US and Canada
Cold-weather fuel losses depend on how cold your commute actually gets. A driver in Miami and a driver in Winnipeg do not face the same winter tax on the tank. This table draws on the Farmers’ Almanac long-range winter forecast, U.S. National Weather Service climate normals, and Environment and Climate Change Canada averages.
Safe Travels
We hope these tips help you save money on gas this winter. Pick two or three moves you can make this week, tire pressure, one skipped idle, one combined errand run, and the tank starts to last longer. Safe travels.
Keep Learning
How To Save Money On Gas This Winter FAQ
Does cold weather really use more gas?
Yes. A temperature drop from 75 to 44 F alone can raise fuel use by 12 to 28 percent, and severe winter road conditions can push that another 7 to 35 percent. Cold air is denser, tires lose pressure, and engines run richer during warm-up.
Should I warm up my engine in the driveway?
No. Modern fuel-injected cars are designed to drive off after about 30 seconds. Idling gets zero miles per gallon and warms the cabin more slowly than driving does. Bundle up before you get in and go.
When is gas cheapest during the week?
GasBuddy tracks Monday as the cheapest day to fill up in most states, with Thursday the priciest. Time your fill-ups to your Monday errands, or use a fuel-tracking app that flags the lowest station in your area.
How often should I check my tire pressure in winter?
At least once every two weeks, and after every major cold snap. Tires lose roughly 1 psi for every 10 F drop, and underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and cut mileage. Match the PSI on the door-jamb sticker.
Are snow tires worth it for gas mileage?
In regions with prolonged cold and snow, yes. Snow tires improve traction and handling, which reduces engine strain in slick conditions. In mild-winter regions where the average low sits above 44 F, snow tires actually cost you fuel because they roll harder on dry pavement.
Do roof racks and cargo boxes really cost that much fuel?
Yes. FuelEconomy.gov reports large roof-top cargo boxes cut efficiency by 2 to 8 percent in city driving and 6 to 17 percent on the highway. Remove the box between trips, especially for daily commuting.
Do EVs and hybrids save money on gas in winter?
They still burn less than a gas car, but cold weather does cost EVs range (up to 30 percent in a hard freeze) and hurts hybrid mileage more than most owners expect. The same rules apply: preheat while plugged in, check tire pressure, combine trips, drop the roof box.
Join the conversation!
Do you have any tips to add to our list? We would love to hear from you. Comment below.
Natalie LaVolpe
Natalie LaVolpe is a freelance writer and former special education teacher. She is dedicated to healthy living through body and mind. She currently resides on Long Island, New York, with her husband, children, and dog.
- Natalie LaVolpe
- Natalie LaVolpe
- Natalie LaVolpe
- Natalie LaVolpe
