What is carburetor icing caused by?

Carburetor icing occurs primarily due to the vaporization of fuel and the expansion of air within the carburetor, which results in a significant drop in temperature. This cooling effect can lead to the formation of ice within the carburetor, particularly when there's moisture in the air.

When fuel vaporizes, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, and the air passing through the carburetor expands, further reducing its temperature. If the temperature drops below the dew point in conjunction with high humidity, this can lead to ice formation. Consequently, while cold weather can contribute to conditions conducive to carburetor icing, it is not the sole cause. Instead, it is the combination of fuel vaporization, air expansion, and sufficient moisture in the air that primarily leads to carburetor icing.