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Gas Mileage went in the crapper

Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
Howdy,

Looking for some advice. Up until about a month ago, I was averaging aroudn 280 - 290 miles per fill up (11-12 gallons). Now all of a sudden it's dropped to about 240 or so. I'm in WI and is winter now so I'm sure that has an affect, but going from 24mpg or so to about 20 seems a bit steep.

Is that normal or should I have my car checked out. heh.

Have had normal oil changes and such and tires are not low on pressure so that's not it.

THanks.
 
Winter gas has added crap to help with air quality but it lowers milage.. atleast they dumped MTBE so I'm a little more happy. But this winter mixture sure has my KS going :|
 
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Howdy,

Looking for some advice. Up until about a month ago, I was averaging aroudn 280 - 290 miles per fill up (11-12 gallons). Now all of a sudden it's dropped to about 240 or so. I'm in WI and is winter now so I'm sure that has an affect, but going from 24mpg or so to about 20 seems a bit steep.

Is that normal or should I have my car checked out. heh.

Have had normal oil changes and such and tires are not low on pressure so that's not it.

THanks.
Click to expand...


winter cold thats it
 
It is definitely the "winter blend" of gasoine. When temperatures are lower then gas is less volatile and harder to ignite whick leads to sevral problems and increased emissions. To counteract this Oil Companies blend in more oxygenates during the winter months and the result is smoother operation and lower emissions but gas mileage suffers.
 
"winter blend" is just additional ethanol (benzine derivitive) that's added to help the motor turn in cold weather. Usually its 7-10% added to help aid in colder weather.

Sure it sucks, its necessary.. unless you drive DIESEL 😛

My Astro is doing about 17.5mpg in warmer weather and is down to 16mpg now.
 
Here in Iowa, 89 Octane gas with 10% ethanol is subsidized, so it's usually a few cents cheaper. I usually fill up with it and average about 21MPG with our van. They were out of the 90/10 mix so I got the regular 87 Octane. My mileage went up to ~25MPG...similar driving, similar weather, ect.

Yes kids, additives can decrease mileage
 
wait, doesn't colder air has a higher density, thus improving the engine's combustion and subsequently its performance?

I mean, the purpose of an intercooler is to cool the hot "turbo-ed" air. So, by the same token, cold air for a NA engine should be benefitical too?
 
Originally posted by: andylawcc
wait, doesn't colder air has a higher density, thus improving the engine's combustion and subsequently its performance?

I mean, the purpose of an intercooler is to cool the hot "turbo-ed" air. So, by the same token, cold air for a NA engine should be benefitical too?
Click to expand...
Read above. Your assumptions are true if the gasoline is the same but the different blend results in the loss of mileage.
 
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Originally posted by: andylawcc
wait, doesn't colder air has a higher density, thus improving the engine's combustion and subsequently its performance?

I mean, the purpose of an intercooler is to cool the hot "turbo-ed" air. So, by the same token, cold air for a NA engine should be benefitical too?
Click to expand...
Read above. Your assumptions are true if the gasoline is the same but the different blend results in the loss of mileage.
Click to expand...



ahh... thanks.

 
You could add a few psi of air to the tires to help compensate. Make sure also that the wheels are properly aligned (helps to reduce rolling resistance and tire wear).
 
your profile says your in Wyoming. I'm sure you have winter blend gas there. sucks for mileage.

Here in NC I rarely notice the difference because my A/C isn't running in the winter.
 
Originally posted by: Ronstang
It is definitely the "winter blend" of gasoine. When temperatures are lower then gas is less volatile and harder to ignite whick leads to sevral problems and increased emissions. To counteract this Oil Companies blend in more oxygenates during the winter months and the result is smoother operation and lower emissions but gas mileage suffers.
Click to expand...

Quite injformative. Thank you.
 
could these winter blends also cause loss of horsepower?
my wrx has been doggy for the last month or two
 
Originally posted by: jntdesign
could these winter blends also cause loss of horsepower?
my wrx has been doggy for the last month or two
Click to expand...

according to information already posted, you will have gasoline that is as volitile as normal, but with a decreased gasoline-content. ...


Basically, you will have a decreased expanding gas power...ie less torque...


HTen again, that is just an educated guess
 
You people are forgetting about the increased frictional losses of cold weather driving (Wheel bearing, transmission, rear end, engine oils and grease increase in viscosity causing increased drag) along with the fact that it takes much longer to warm up the engine, this increases fuel consumption because it stays in open loop longer.

Open loop = The ECM have set parameters for fuel and ignition timing.


Closed loop = The ECM reads the sensors and adjusts the fuel map and ignition timing for optimum power and efficiency.
 
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