Major decreae in gas mileage since cold weather ** 3.2L

[doughboy17]

I have realized a 2-3 MPG decrease in gas mileage since the cold weather began (using same brand fuel as always & adequate pressure in tires). Has anyone else ever experienced the same thing? Any suggestions.

[yycools]

The gas you put in the car is a different blend(winter blend), which has a higher alcohol content to prevent the fuel line from freezing. The result of which is decreased MPG.

[akalito]

if this is true thank god i starting to think something was wrong with my car

[naiku]

Mine does it every year, it annoys me for a minute, then I remember winter blend.

[makav3li]

The gas you put in the car is a different blend(winter blend), which has a higher alcohol content to prevent the fuel line from freezing. The result of which is decreased MPG.

this could be true but also the fact that you have the heater working alot warmer and for longer affects your gas mileage as well. I'm going thru the same thing, not happy about it lol. Use to get about 400 miles to the gallon and i think i may have gotten 330 or so

[Der Konig]

this could be true but also the fact that you have the heater working alot warmer and for longer affects your gas mileage as well. I'm going thru the same thing, not happy about it lol. Use to get about 400 miles to the gallon and i think i may have gotten 330 or so

To the gallon!?!?!? Haha

[Satyroi]

It's the winter fuel mix that is probably degrading you MPG. The oxygen-bearing winter gasoline compounds displace fuel components, so it takes more fuel to get the job done. Normal gasoline has a stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1, reformulated winter fuel runs between 14.3 and 14.4:1

It's not only the fuel thats at fault. The weather is largely responsible; after all, it is winter. Low cranking voltage in the battery, increased oil viscosity, atmospheric condensation in underground fuel tanks and so forth.

[oneovdabestyet]

Holy shit man I hope this is true I did one big DIY service on my car including oil, fuel filter, put new tires and rims on and air filter thought maybe i messed something up, is this 100% the case? I dont know if i can recall the this happening other winters but maybe i just wasnt paying attention :/

[doughboy17]

Thanks to everyone for the prompt responses. I am glad I am not the only one experiencing this. It is interesting that I never encountered it in my 87 octane Olds Intrigue.

[deeznuts]

yep..its weather, your heat probably on most of the time, etc etc..


maybe could be your oil too?

[mr shickadance]

snow tires will also decrease mpg....

[Baruch]

Correct me if I'm wrong - heat doesnt affect gas mileage - its just utilizing the heat from the engine - AC on the other hand requires running the AC compressor which eats gas...

[njm23]

Correct me if I'm wrong - heat doesnt affect gas mileage - its just utilizing the heat from the engine - AC on the other hand requires running the AC compressor which eats gas...

That's the way I understood it.. Maybe he's referring to the blowers being on consistently? IDK..

[deeznuts]

well essentially, regardless of whats going on with the heat core and everything, it causes your motor to work harder, therefore burning more gas....it may not be as much of an effect as AC, but that mixed with all other variables listed already in this thread contribute to less miles per gallon. i dont pay attention anymore...i go through about a tank and a half a week, it hasnt really changed since the summer time, or it has been so minimal that i havent noticed....if you want better miles per gallon, put 40 psi+ in your car....might help a lil, but itll be a bumpy ride