Cold crisp mornings

[Matt80MINI]

Does anyone else find that their engine is more responsive when it's cold and dry, or am I just imagining it?

It was 3 degrees on my way in to work this morning, and dryer than its been in ages. The engine seemed to run a bit smoother than usual, and the exhaust was popping more on the over run.

Could of course all be down to not having had my coffee yet?

If I am correct, what's the science behind this?

[anonymous-user]

Put simply. Colder air is denser so you can expect a tiny bit more power from the engine than say, on a warm humid day. That's as far as my understanding goes.

[Rotary Madness]

Cold air = more dense, which means more oxygen in lamens terms.

Its more noticable on turbocharged cars, but even N/A cars should run smoother, well thats what ive found anyways, so no youre not going mad.

[Gwagon111]

I love cold crisp dry mornings. I like to think of it as turbotastic weather.

[LuS1fer]

Simply more oxygen in denser air - same science as cold air intakes. Even my sheddy old Golf GTI is like a different car on a cold crisp morning (those days you can see past the condensation obviously).

[Matt80MINI]

Makes sense.

Thanks

Matt

[Jez64]

Does make your car feel quicker, the downside is.....

They've gritted the roads near me.

[Matt80MINI]

Jez64 said:

Does make your car feel quicker, the downside is.....

They've gritted the roads near me.

That quite eager of the council isn't it?


On another point, even though it was only 3 degrees, my tyres didn't feel any less grippy - and no, I won't be buying winter tyres.

[Gwagon111]

It's been cold enough to help the engine without hindering the tyres round my way this week, long may it continue I say.

[lambysdad]

Wish i still had my 'Chim on days like this.
Top down, hat and gloves on....

[Jonny671]

Yep, I've noticed it in my car.. Much better, I love cold mornings.

[samdale]

LuS1fer said:

Even my sheddy old Golf GTI is like a different car on a cold crisp morning (those days you can see past the condensation obviously).

My shed is like a different car also in that it barely starts and sounds like a tractor until it warms up

[Ozzie Osmond]

Cold damp morning is even better for your engine's performance. It's why some cars have water injection as well as intercoolers.

[lambysdad]

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[Jonny671]

Had a cold head and ears this morning when I had the roof off.. Lovely warm coat and gloves on though was all good.

[Jonny671]

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[goldblum]

The downside...your mpg will worsen.

[Cyder]

I suppose you don't have to worry about mpg when you know it'll be going home on the back of an AA lorry do you?

[Simbu]

So, does the same principle apply to turbodiesel engines? Especially since they rely on a warmed up engine for best performace / economy?


As an side, I remember last year my engine was actually dropping below operating temperature while sat in a queue as it was so cold!

[goldblum]

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