Helmar

I've noticed that my gas mileage has increased as the weather has gotten warmer.

Around town, from around 20.7 in winter to around 23.3 now.

Is this phenomenon usual for hybrid cars?

Is it usual for the LS460 in general?

HBH

Craig B

I am also getting better mileage in the summer. I also think the summer blend fuel is better than the winter blend. The car also runs rich when the engine is cold and that uses more fuel...

Craig

Nospinzone

For a variety of reasons gas mileage improves from cold to hot conditions. Motorists tend to warm up the engine in cold weather before driving, the gas mixture may contain ethanol in the winter months, cold oil (even synthetic) is 'heavier' and hence has more friction, there may be more rolling resistance due to snow tires and, well, snow, and most likely the car's computer will dictate a richer mixture. All combine to use more gas.

And of course, in Maine you cannot expect warm temperatures until after the 4th of July!

PatsSoxfan

As Nospinzone pointed out, any car will give you better fuel mileage in warmer weather. The major reason for this is that the engine does not have to warm up (if already warm) as much and thus use less fuel. Additionally, there is a lot less friction on moving parts when it is warm as opposed to frigid cold. The optimum temperatures for gas mileage is probably between 55 and 75. If it gets too hot, then obviously one needs to turn on the air conditioner and then obviously the gas mileage suffers. On the opposite extreme, if temperatures get really cold (sub zero), gas mileage will be pretty bad.

encore888

Well perhaps then we have a little bit of relief considering the price of gas has gone up even more now (although there seems to be a slight respite recently).

zzzzdoc

My mileage is going down as the weather is getting hotter. Ah, the A/C.

Mike_TX

You don't keep your A/C on year 'round?

Mine always go on "Auto" when they're delivered and stay there 'til they're traded. The dehumidifying effect in the colder months is invaluable, and modern A/C compressors don't affect mileage enough to notice.

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astrotoy

I've noticed my mileage has gone up by about 10% recently. Since I got the car at the end of September, this is the first time I have had it with the summer gas and warmer weather. Since premium is over $4 per gallon ($3.99 at Costco is the cheapest) the 10% is appreciated.

zzzzdoc

No, same here. Button pushed once per car.

I just assumed that with as much work as the A/C has to do down here, it has to hurt mileage. I've also heard that it only costs you 1mpg, but somehow I'm skeptical.

You have to understand, I bought a black car in Florida. That makes me, you know, a moron.

350Dave

If you bought a black car with black leather and ventilated seats in Florida, it probably means you are only MM (mildly moronic).

zzzzdoc

Cashmere seats. That makes me a half-wit.