Cold Weather Fuel Economy Thread

Rusina

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I have been averaging 36 mpg on mix city highway driving in the summer.

After the temp dipped below 30 degrees I averaged 32 mpgs.

The last 2 days it has been below zero and I now got 25 mpgs.

Anyone else living in a colder climate??
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brclark80

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I went from around 33-34 to around 26-28. It's been in the 30s-50s.
 

inv4zn

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Refineries have different blends of gasoline for winter temperatures, so that may be affecting it.
If you have less traction the engine will work harder, resulting in lower MPG.
Likely you are using more accessories (heater, ass warmers, etc.) again resulting in more power from engine going to alternator, resulting in lower MPG.

It's pretty normal.
 

syncro87

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Yeah, our temps have been low lately, maybe teens or twenties F during the day. The other day, it was 8 or 9F for the daytime high. Was one or two above zero this morning.

I've noticed our fuel economy taking a hit. I haven't calculated it, but I watch it pretty closely, and I'd say I've lost 10-12%-ish.

Many areas switch to differently blended fuel in winter, too, so that might be a factor where you are.

Car probably runs rich when it's cold until it warms up, which is longer than in warm weather. Might decrease MPG a bit.

Anyway, normal.
 

chuenoona

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Live in MN and mpg have suffered greatly this winter

From average of 35 mpg summer to only
29 mpg winter
 


dblshock

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cold air is denser, harder to push the car through it fast, add the longer warm-up, winter fuel, heavy snow tires with gaping treads and actual driving through snow on the pavement you have a cluster.
 

dblshock

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been driving my Highlander equipped to deal with this weather gets an easy 20% mpg. reduction lately.
 

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Check your air pressures, deflated tires get worse mileage.
 

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I have been averaging 36 mpg on mix city highway driving in the summer.

After the temp dipped below 30 degrees I averaged 32 mpgs.

The last 2 days it has been below zero and I now got 25 mpgs.

Anyone else living in a colder climate??
You can count on a minimum 25% dip in fuel economy between hot weather and cold weather seasons. Winter gas is good for much of the loss, cold temp air requires more fuel to keep the air fuel mixture in check compared to hot air, it also takes longer for the engine to reach operating temperatures. All combine to kill fuel economy.
 


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Rusina

Rusina

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You can count on a minimum 25% dip in fuel economy between hot weather and cold weather seasons. Winter gas is good for much of the loss, cold temp air requires more fuel to keep the air fuel mixture in check compared to hot air, it also takes longer for the engine to reach operating temperatures. All combine to kill fuel economy.
I figured as much, all of my previous autos suffered from this. That's living in the upper Midwest for ya. My boss drives an F350 Long bed Supercrew diesel and he has a power cord plugged in constantly to a heater.
 

mno86

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Definitely noticed a drop in fuel economy over the last few tanks. Dipped from 35-37 average mixed driving to 29-32.

Typical of winter driving, but a far more drastic drop than any other car I've owned before.
 

Billy4202

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Like everyone else, yep, big drop...no more 40+ tanks, and I switched up the commute so I'm only on the highway for 5 miles or so each day. Averaging low 30s now.
 

chuenoona

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cold air is denser, harder to push the car through it fast, add the longer warm-up, winter fuel, heavy snow tires with gaping treads and actual driving through snow on the pavement you have a cluster.
Yep this is why
 

tsupersonic

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I'm in upstate NY, and I just got my car (Hatch EX-L Navi) on Saturday. I'm still on the tank of gas that I took delivery on, and trip computer shows 26-28 MPG, and this is 100% city driving. I'm also taking it a bit easy, since it's a new car and just trying to acclimate to everything.
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