Petrol and diesel owners could be most affected this winter (Image: Getty)
and owners are at during cold temperatures this , a major blow for combustion owners.
Road users will likely “use more fuel” to than later in the year, according to an expert.
Ellie Macsymons, consumer expert at , stressed that “cold starts and longer idling times” was playing havoc with economy rates.
It means individuals who put the same amount of fuel in their cars every week may get caught out and could be
The little-known issue could see motorists in a concern for cash-strapped Britons in the New Year.
Cars will use up more fuel in colder temperatures (Image: Getty)
Ellie said: “Due to the cold starts and longer idling times, we tend to use more fuel in the winter. For us to save money on fuel we need to take steps to make sure we are getting the most out of our fuel.
“Fewer trips during the winter months can help us not waste fuel – if you can, combine your errands to reduce the amount of cold starts you’re having during the winter months.”
has previously confirmed that more fuel is used up by vehicles when temperatures drop.
They stressed internal combustion engines tend to require a “fuel-rich diet to create ignition” and reach normal operating temperatures.
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They also said that the injection system will only correct itself when a normal operating temperature has been reached.
They added: “Of course the difference between ambient temperature and normal engine operating temperature is greater in cold weather than warm weather.
“This means that the engine takes longer to warm up and therefore spends more time consuming an air/fuel mixture that is much richer in fuel.
“Similarly, cold weather accelerates the speed at which an engine cools after being turned off, so it will need to be supplied with an enriched mixture more regularly.”
said colder temperatures “create a cycle” where cars are “never really getting to a warm enough temperatures”.
Motorists who only make shorter journeys in their vehicle are more at risk as engines are not consistently being warmed up properly.
Low fuel economy is just one of the dangers with road users at risk of picking up damage to key components this winter.
The AA added: “In very cold temperatures diesel can become waxy resulting in fuel issues such as blocked injectors or fuel filters.”