MPG in Winter time
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MPG in Winter time
So I've noticed that my MPG has gone down....significantly. About 3 or 4 weeks ago I've started to noticed that I'm down about 20miles or so less on a full tank of gas. Could this be b/c of the cold weather? I've checked my tire pressure and my driving has not become any more aggressive than the previous months. My Airfilter is damn clean as well.
EDIT: I use to get 300 +/- miles on one take not I get about 280 +/- miles on one tank....
EDIT: I use to get 300 +/- miles on one take not I get about 280 +/- miles on one tank....
Last edited by andyboy; 12-09-08 at 07:14 PM.
#6
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: alberta
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A lot of this could be driving habits, too. Not just yours, but other people as well. When it gets cold / slippery, people tend to drive at more variable speeds (e.g slowing down more at intersections even thought the light is green, etc.) and this can drastically effect your mileage.
I find my mileage is about 10% worse now than it was in September.
I find my mileage is about 10% worse now than it was in September.
#7
speaking as a mechanical engineer: the law of thermodynamics says efficiency increases as workable engine temperatures increase...
for instance an engine working at 800 F is about 30% efficient vs. a engine working at 3500 F is about 85% efficient. this is just an example no exact numbers...
then you ask: why aren't engines designed to run at higher temperatures. well its simple, current oils, lubes, and metals cannot withstand the high temps. this is why your experiencing lower efficiency numbers.
also the winter gasoline is probably not much help.
for instance an engine working at 800 F is about 30% efficient vs. a engine working at 3500 F is about 85% efficient. this is just an example no exact numbers...
then you ask: why aren't engines designed to run at higher temperatures. well its simple, current oils, lubes, and metals cannot withstand the high temps. this is why your experiencing lower efficiency numbers.
also the winter gasoline is probably not much help.
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Fanatic
This is true, the computer works to keep the engine warm in the winter or operatng temp tus using more fuel on top of the different emission blend.
#9
#11
Driver School Candidate
check @your pump. In the northwest we get a 10% ethanol mix in the winter. ethanol = less btu's = less mpg. Go search out mpg for e85 vs. gas, there's a dramatic difference.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post