eli5:Why do cars consume more fuel in cold weather?

Question

I noticed my car burns more fuel in winter. I don’t use the heater or Air Con. So all being equal why more fuel? Is it something to do with Oxygen density in cold weather? If so, please explain 🙂

In: 9

Answer 1

Do you live somewhere that uses oxygenated fuel in winter? Ethanol is added to the fuel and that causes a small reduction in fuel economy.