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As temperatures drop and traffic increases, winter driving can have a noticeable impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. Cold weather thickens engine oil, reduces tyre pressure, and encourages heavier use of heaters and lights — all of which lead to higher fuel consumption.
At Drift Bridge Group, we’ve compiled some practical fuel-saving tips to help drivers of Audi, Volkswagen, and Honda vehicles stay efficient and save money during the winter months.
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure and Condition
Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop, increasing rolling resistance and fuel use. Underinflated tyres can cut fuel economy by up to 5% and affect safety on icy roads.
Before the weather worsens, check your tyre pressures and tread depth. If you’re unsure, our teams at Epsom Audi, Walton Audi, Drift Bridge Volkswagen, and Gatwick Honda can carry out a quick winter tyre inspection to ensure your car is road-ready.
2. Reduce Weight and Remove Roof Accessories
Extra weight means your engine works harder — especially noticeable in stop-start winter traffic. Remove unnecessary items from the boot and take off roof bars or boxes when not needed.
This simple habit can save up to 10% in fuel on longer drives, particularly in models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, or Audi Q5.
3. Warm Up Smartly
Idling your car for long periods wastes fuel and can actually cause more wear on modern engines. Instead, start your car and drive gently for the first few minutes — it will warm up faster and use less fuel overall.
Cars like the Audi A3, VW Golf, and Honda Civic Hybrid are designed to run efficiently even in cold weather, so there’s no need for extended idling before setting off.
4. Use Eco and Hybrid Modes
Many modern cars come with Eco or Efficiency settings to optimise performance.
Using these modes in traffic or short trips can significantly improve fuel economy during the winter.
5. Keep Your Car Serviced and Maintained
A properly maintained engine uses less fuel. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and low-quality oil can all increase consumption.
Booking a manufacturer-approved service at your nearest Drift Bridge Group dealership ensures your Audi, Volkswagen, or Honda runs at peak efficiency all winter long — while staying safe and reliable in colder conditions.
6. Combine Journeys
Short trips are particularly inefficient in winter because cold engines consume more fuel. Try to combine errands into a single journey, or plan routes that avoid unnecessary idling in traffic.
Built-in navigation systems such as Audi Connect, Volkswagen We Connect, and Honda Connect can help plan the most efficient routes.
7. Upgrade to a More Efficient Car
If you’re ready to reduce your fuel costs permanently, consider upgrading to a hybrid or electric model this winter.
Our team can help you explore offers and find the perfect efficient model for your needs.
Stay Efficient This Winter with Drift Bridge Group
With the right habits and regular maintenance, you can make every litre of fuel go further — even in cold weather.
Visit your nearest Drift Bridge dealership today for a winter vehicle health check, servicing, or to discover the latest fuel-efficient and electric models from Audi, Volkswagen, and Honda.
