5aprilc

So I've been used to get 400+ miles per full tank of gas, and now that its gotten colder outside, I've been noticing I'm only get around 350 miles. Now I didn't own this car last year in the cold months, and I haven't changed the way I drive, and I still shift to the next gear at 3K RPMs; so is this decrease in MPG normal?

Galactica

iTrader: (5)

Winter blend gas, my friend....It's not your friend...

mrjones

It's normal, happens every year in my car. When it's warm, i get up to 490 miles on a tank. When it gets cold, i average about 420-430

Galactica

iTrader: (5)

Wish I could pull your kind of mileage mrjones....

5aprilc

I agree, I've never seen 490 miles to a full tank in my car. Galactica, your saying they do something to our gas in the winter time? Something that causes us to get worse full economy. And here I am thinking I'm getting more horsepower because it's colder out, thus explaining my excessive usage for fuel. Damn!

defiance

iTrader: (1)

My gas mileage must be horrible then, because as of right now im averaging 340 miles on a full tank of gas. Im using regular though and am running winter tires, those might be a factor.

Galactica

iTrader: (5)

The winter-blend does give a little worse economy and I would think the colder air might cause the computer to eventually adjust the fuel map slightly for the increased oxygen it sees by upping the duty-cycle on the injectors, also increasing fuel consumption.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-e...mmer-fuel1.htm

5aprilc

Well this is good to know, hopefully the computer in my car does adjust the fuel maping so that I can get a little better mileage.

This is definitely what's causing your bad gas mileage, you just try running 91 octane and switch to an all season tire. I woundn't dare run 87 in my car.

chris in va

I took a weather class at a local college a while back. The professor had a Volvo Turbo and noted his car would positively scream in the winter.

Cold air is denser than warm, and as such will pack more oxygen and fuel into a given space. This results in more power but also less fuel economy. Coupled with the winter gas formula, you get about 80 miles less per tank.

tophersmadmax

I live in florida (always hot) and I always use premium always keep the oil changed and air filters. I can only get 320 at best. I dont know how anyone would get 490. You must live near the interstate and no stop and go. 19-20 mpg only no matter how I drive.

tophersmadmax

I will try this fuelly thing

mau108

you also have to realize with the cold the vehicle takes longer to warm up thus its running richer for longer period of time.

5aprilc

Yeah that makes sense. I think I might also need to replace my MAF, I notice a little hesitation when the engine is cold around 2800 RPM's. I think this might play a role in my gas mileage not being very good.