[GTO]

Engines perform better in colder weather. Primary reason : The density of cool air is a lot more than hot air. Thus, you end up with a superior burn, which results in better performance & efficiency.

Over the winter season, I've noticed a distinctly sharper throttle (compared to the harsh summers), the engine seems smoother and revv-happier. This effect is even more pronounced with diesels (especially the Jeep). It is around this premise that the cold-air-intake industry exists, and whatever the season, your engine will feel sharper at night than at noon.

Are you feeling it?

[anilisanil]

though there is increase in mileage in my TDCi, I did observe that it sounds like a tractor in winters, it does take quite sometime to calm down (one of the rare ocassions when things calm down after something heats up!!)

I did not feel any major change in throttle response though!!

[hvkumar]

Yes, my Scorpio runs smoother, a little quicker and I have a little better FE too.

[planet_rocker]

No - My padmini refuses to start every two weeks - but when she does, she warms herself up slowly with the FFE gurgling and the after effects never stops to bring a smile on my face

The Palio and the Getz does feel better in winter

[phamilyman]

LOL, but in Delhi winter you need to warm up the car more. Atleast I do.

What you have in Mumbai is hardly winter - I know friends who swim even in December!!

[amit1234singla]

Yes, my Manza QJD is at 20k km's now and I have started getting FE of about 23-24 on highway at cruising speeds of 90-110, no AC, 2 occupants etc. Once engine is warmed up, it's very smooth.

My only problem with NCR cold winters is that it takes hell lot of time (and km's) for engine to warm up. In my case, in mornings, it takes about 8 km for the temp gauge to move from bottom and another 4 km's for it to reach in the normal range. That's a total of 12 km's to get to optimal engine temp. And that's after a minute of idling.

[akshay4587]

Agree completely.
I love to drive during early mornings and Late nights.
And these days i feel,the throttle response of my Accent is so linear,and sharp.

[asitkde]

Yes, my Getz Prime is running smoother, quieter and have become more fuel efficient of late. In addition to the winter, two other factors have also contributed: my switch to fully synthetic engine oil (0W40) a month ago (definitely), and a change to premium quality petrol (likely).

I have not driven our other car (WagonR, used by my wife) lately and cannot tell.

[SILVERWOOD]

Yes,there is a positive change.

I did a 500 km trip in my Trooper on Saturday and could feel the difference.My monster was calm and was cruising silently.

Not sure about the increase in FE.

[narayan]

Along with that comes greater engine damage due to really cold starts I presume.

[amit_mechengg]

yeah, all my cars perform better in winters due to but obvious reasons.
but along with better performance comes more cold start wear and tear.
it takes time for engine to heat up. my morning idling times have increased from 1 min to 2 now.

[akshay4587]

Originally Posted by narayan

Along with that comes greater engine damage due to really cold starts I presume.

I am sure,most of us idle cars,till the RPM settles down to normal.
and yes synthetic oils offer better protection in such conditions.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by GTO

Primary reason : The density of cool air is a lot more than hot air.
... better... efficiency.

Are you feeling it?

The fuel density is also higher, the AC is turned off (no/minimal compressor load), and the engine oil maintains its viscosity better in cold weather. Result: The engine sounds more silent, revs more easily once warmed up, and gives better FE. My Scorpio returns about 1.5 km/l more, and the Swift about 2 km/l more than in summers.

Downside: Accelerated engine wear in the first two minutes in weather such as Delhi has, until the oil starts flowing smoothly (solution: let the engine idle for a minute before moving the car). Difficult morning starts in case of weak batteries or poor compression (or blown glow plugs in some diesels).

Edit: 6AM wakeups and 7AM starts don't make me feel better, even though engines might! And the Scorpio takes at least 4-5 km to warm up before the heater becomes effective. Brrr...

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by GTO

Over the winter season, I've noticed a distinctly sharper throttle (compared to the harsh summers), the engine seems smoother and revv-happier. This effect is even more pronounced with diesels (especially the Jeep). It is around this premise that the cold-air-intake industry exists, and whatever the season, your engine will feel sharper at night than at noon.

Are you feeling it?

In Bombay minimum temperature is still higher than 20 C so it should not make that much difference within city.

[shineshine]

I always felt the same with my old pal PALIO! with LPG. During winter nights, it performed as if it got an extra cylinder and turbo boost.