How to Get Better Gas Mileage In Hot Weather?

During the hot season, every driver should keep a few things in mind. This includes a driving routine that gets affected by extreme weather conditions, or even just by small temperature changes.

Here we’ll break down some tips and tricks on how to drive on a budget in the summertime or any time the temperature increase might influence your driving.

Fuel Economy in Hot Weather

It's not common to discuss how hot weather can actually increase your fuel economy. Your engine reaches the efficient temperature faster, summer grades of gasoline can have slightly more energy, and warm air causes less aerodynamic drag than cold air.

To stay comfortable in hot weather, lowering the windows or using the air conditioning can reduce fuel economy. Turning on the car's air conditioning system is a major factor in reducing fuel economy in hot weather.

Its effect depends on a number of factors such as external temperature, humidity, and the intensity of the sun. In very hot conditions, using air conditioning can reduce the fuel economy of a conventional vehicle by more than 25%, especially on short trips.

The impact of air conditioning on hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles can be even greater in percentage terms.

Transition Season for Fuel Production

It should be mentioned that from April to June is a transition season for fuel production. So during this time, oil refineries switch from the production of the winter mixture to the summer mixture.

As a rule, winter gasoline has a higher vapor pressure and it evaporates faster, allowing cars to start in cold weather. While this type of gas can help your engine during a cold spell, it also has slightly less energy per gallon.

Meanwhile, summer fuel contains approximately 2% more energy than winter fuel. Of course, the price per gallon will be higher. However, the better gas mileage should compensate for the additional costs at the pump.

Regardless of the season, the best way to improve your fuel economy is to practice safe driving habits and drive a vehicle that gets excellent gas mileage.

Engine Operation in Warm Weather

Your engine uses air and gas to produce power. However, the engine only uses oxygen during combustion. These oxygen molecules expand in warm weather, making the air inside the engine less dense. Your car will then compensate for this low oxygen level by using less fuel, which is ideal for fuel economy.

Warm weather can also take a toll on your car, especially in the summer. The operation of the air conditioner is the main factor in reducing fuel economy.

In hot, humid weather conditions, air conditioning can reduce a car's fuel economy by up to 20% due to increased stress on the engine. And if you drive a hybrid or all-electric car, this percentage can be even higher.

Turning on the heating may not have as much of an impact as turning on the air conditioner. However, this can still reduce fuel economy.

Seat heating, window defrosting, and heater fans use the energy they get from the fuel, so overworking your heating can cost you a few extra cents in fuel and require you to fill up more often.

Remember to maintain your vehicle throughout the year with regular oil changes, alignment checks, and tire replacements.

Driving with your windows down can reduce fuel economy. Open windows increase drag, making your vehicle use more energy to push through the air. This effect is quite small at low speeds but increases at highway speeds.

And what else can be done to improve your economy in hot weather?

All the tips are within control

Кeep the windows down at lower speeds, use the AC at highway speeds, and on this topic, don't use the AC more than needed or set the temperature lower than necessary.

Try to park in the shade or use a sunshade so that the cabin doesn't get as hot. Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC.

Venting the hot air out of the cabin will put less strain on the AC and help your vehicle cool faster. Avoid running the AC before driving; turn the AC on after you begin to drive or after venting the cabin briefly.

Most AC systems cool the vehicle faster while driving. Read your owner's manual. Most manuals explain how the AC system controls work and how to best use and maintain the AC system.

For hybrids and electric vehicles, cooling the cabin while plugged into the charger can extend your vehicle's range, and the AC will use less battery power.

Year-Round Vehicle Maintenance

If you experience all four seasons, you might notice changes in your fuel economy throughout the year. Maybe you can drive with the climate control off during the warmer months.

Meanwhile, the winter season means lower fuel economy. Maintaining your vehicle throughout the year is very important. This can be done by getting regular oil changes, alignment checks, and tire rotations.

Listen for unusual noises under your hood and take your car to the mechanic at the first sign of trouble. Doing so will stretch your gas further and prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Conclusion

It's not commonly considered that hot weather conditions can actually increase your mileage. Your engine reaches the efficient temperature faster, summer grades of gasoline have slightly more energy, and warm air causes less aerodynamic drag than cold air.

Simply adjusting to warm weather conditions by lowering the windows or using the air conditioning can reduce mileage.

The air conditioning system is the primary contributor to reduced mileage in warm weather conditions. Its impact is influenced by several factors, such as external temperature, humidity, and the intensity of the sun. In very hot situations, AC use can reduce a vehicle's efficiency by over 25%, especially on short trips.

So, with these tips in mind, your driving will definitely become more efficient, adjusting to weather conditions, especially when talking about hot temperatures. Keep these simple steps in mind and try to implement them in your driving routine. The results won't take long to appear.