Fuel efficiency isn’t just about your car—it’s also about the environment you drive in. Seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and wind can significantly affect how much fuel your vehicle uses. Whether you’re navigating winter commutes or summer road trips, understanding how weather impacts fuel economy can help you adjust your driving habits and minimize unnecessary costs.

Cold weather and fuel efficiency

Cold temperatures can lower fuel economy for several reasons. According to Fuel Economy, a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle’s mileage can drop by as much as 15%–24% when temperatures fall below 20°F compared to normal conditions.

Why cold weather hurts MPG:

• Engine fluids are thicker, increasing resistance
  
• Tire pressure drops, creating more rolling resistance
  
• It takes longer for the engine to reach optimal temperature
  
• Drivers often idle longer to warm the cabin
  
• Heated seats, defrosters, and heaters draw extra energy
  

Tips to reduce cold-weather fuel waste:

• Keep tires properly inflated using a digital tire gauge
  
• Minimize idling—drive gently instead of waiting for full warm-up
  
• Park in a garage or sunlit area to keep the engine warmer
  
• Use a block heater if you live in extremely cold climates
  

Hot weather and fuel economy

While warm weather improves engine efficiency faster than cold conditions, extreme heat brings its own fuel economy challenges. Using the air conditioning, for example, can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 25% in stop-and-go traffic, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

How hot weather affects fuel use:

• Increased AC use puts extra load on the engine
  
• Hot pavement increases tire rolling resistance
  
• Long idling times in traffic with the AC on burns excess fuel
  

Tips to improve MPG in summer:

• Use AC moderately and opt for recirculation mode
  
• Drive during cooler hours (early morning or late evening)
  
• Use reflective windshield shades when parked
  
• Ventilate the car before turning on the AC to reduce the load
  

Weather-proofing your fuel efficiency year-round

Regardless of the season, maintaining good habits helps keep fuel usage consistent:

• Keep your vehicle well-maintained with regular oil changes and air filter replacements
  
• Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration
  
• Use route optimization tools like Google Maps or Waze to avoid congestion
  

Stack savings with cashback tools

Even with weather challenges, you can make your fuel budget stretch further by combining smart driving with cashback strategies. Use apps like Fluz to buy a BP gift card online or pay with a virtual Fluz card via Apple Pay or Google Pay to earn cashback at the pump. Pairing this with fuel rewards programs like BPme Rewards or Fuel Rewards at Shell can boost your savings even more.

The bottom line

Weather may be out of your control, but your fuel habits aren’t. By understanding how temperature extremes affect your vehicle and adjusting your driving behavior accordingly, you can reduce the impact on your fuel economy—and your wallet.