2013 RX F Sport Fuel Gauge Accuracy
#1
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2013 RX F Sport Fuel Gauge Accuracy
Hope this isn't redundant, I've read a few other posts along the same lines here, but wanted to know if I should be bring my situation up with Lexus.
Just purchased my '13 RX 350 F Sport last month, have put about 2K miles thus far. A great majority of these miles are highway, so we're getting 21 mpg. Ever since our first tank, I've noticed some inaccuracies, at least in my head they are. I'm use to buying gas when I hit the last notch on the fuel gauge, depending on how much of a hurry I'm in, I can take it beyond. The first tank I took it right to the end and filled up with 16.23 gallons. The next time I took it a little farther, filled up 16.15 gallons. Then I decided to watch the Cruising Range and see if that aligns with the gauge going empty. Mine doesn't. I usually hit 0 miles left a little before I hit the last notch. So I told myself to push it a little further, and entirely past the last notch, and aligned with the E, which was probably close to 50 miles from the time I hit 0 cruising range. That fill up was only 16.63 gallons to fill up.
I guess my question is, is it normal to have 3 gallons left in the tank when hitting E? Is the cruising range worth reading? Should I try and get my RX that low to where I'm filling up 18+ gallons per fill? I guess its that much less I have to fill up, but really the price doesn't matter to me, I just want to make sure I'm utilizing my fuel efficiency. I'm also trying to build up my highway MPG, as our latest trip down to LA only provided us with 22.2 MPG, which is along the 21 MPG on the invoice for combined.
Anyways, thanks in advance, is our first Lexus, so wanting to make sure we're treating it right! What does everyone else use in regards to gas type, we've been using mid grade as our sales guy suggested it, even though 350 only require unleaded.
Just purchased my '13 RX 350 F Sport last month, have put about 2K miles thus far. A great majority of these miles are highway, so we're getting 21 mpg. Ever since our first tank, I've noticed some inaccuracies, at least in my head they are. I'm use to buying gas when I hit the last notch on the fuel gauge, depending on how much of a hurry I'm in, I can take it beyond. The first tank I took it right to the end and filled up with 16.23 gallons. The next time I took it a little farther, filled up 16.15 gallons. Then I decided to watch the Cruising Range and see if that aligns with the gauge going empty. Mine doesn't. I usually hit 0 miles left a little before I hit the last notch. So I told myself to push it a little further, and entirely past the last notch, and aligned with the E, which was probably close to 50 miles from the time I hit 0 cruising range. That fill up was only 16.63 gallons to fill up.
I guess my question is, is it normal to have 3 gallons left in the tank when hitting E? Is the cruising range worth reading? Should I try and get my RX that low to where I'm filling up 18+ gallons per fill? I guess its that much less I have to fill up, but really the price doesn't matter to me, I just want to make sure I'm utilizing my fuel efficiency. I'm also trying to build up my highway MPG, as our latest trip down to LA only provided us with 22.2 MPG, which is along the 21 MPG on the invoice for combined.
Anyways, thanks in advance, is our first Lexus, so wanting to make sure we're treating it right! What does everyone else use in regards to gas type, we've been using mid grade as our sales guy suggested it, even though 350 only require unleaded.
#2
Your fuel gauge is working correctly. Lexus leaves you a reserve in your tank at empty. There was a thread a while back where people discussed this topic in detail.
On the mileage, it sounds like you are getting about what is expected. Freeway speed is the major factor in gas mileage. I took a trip last Thursday and was keeping my speed down in the 60 to 65 or so range and averaged 33 MPG on one direction, when I came back I was driving faster and was averaging closer to 30 MPG. Your mileage might improve as your engine get more miles on it.
On the mileage, it sounds like you are getting about what is expected. Freeway speed is the major factor in gas mileage. I took a trip last Thursday and was keeping my speed down in the 60 to 65 or so range and averaged 33 MPG on one direction, when I came back I was driving faster and was averaging closer to 30 MPG. Your mileage might improve as your engine get more miles on it.
#3
How is fuel efficiency related to the accuracy of the gauge and cruising range? I'm not following.
As for gas, I'd use what the manufacturer recommends, not what some sales guy suggested. Mid-grade gas is a gimmick. I'm not aware of any manufacturer who recommends mid-grade for any of their vehicles. It doesn't make sense to be concerned about fuel efficiency and then turn around and put in mid-grade gas when it calls for regular.
As for gas, I'd use what the manufacturer recommends, not what some sales guy suggested. Mid-grade gas is a gimmick. I'm not aware of any manufacturer who recommends mid-grade for any of their vehicles. It doesn't make sense to be concerned about fuel efficiency and then turn around and put in mid-grade gas when it calls for regular.
#4
Back in the old days, I was taught to buy fuel before the tank got too low. Especially with fuel injection. The reasoning was that you would pick up more sediment from the tank, and risk clogging injectors or carburetor jets. Does this still (or did it ever) apply?
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Thanks all, some very good tips, and I believe will put me at ease going forward.
I had my 1,000 mile complimentary service this past Friday (2/22), and let the service agent know that I felt my gauge and tank were off a bit, but they checked it and said all is well. What I didn't like is he insisted immediately when the light comes on, I have 2 gallons on reserve. But when you fill up because of only 2 gallons left, I only fill up my 19.2 tank to about 15.5-16 gallons. Will keep an eye on that, but overall will not drive to the very end, and fill when necessary.
I had my 1,000 mile complimentary service this past Friday (2/22), and let the service agent know that I felt my gauge and tank were off a bit, but they checked it and said all is well. What I didn't like is he insisted immediately when the light comes on, I have 2 gallons on reserve. But when you fill up because of only 2 gallons left, I only fill up my 19.2 tank to about 15.5-16 gallons. Will keep an eye on that, but overall will not drive to the very end, and fill when necessary.
#7
Thanks all, some very good tips, and I believe will put me at ease going forward.
I had my 1,000 mile complimentary service this past Friday (2/22), and let the service agent know that I felt my gauge and tank were off a bit, but they checked it and said all is well. What I didn't like is he insisted immediately when the light comes on, I have 2 gallons on reserve. But when you fill up because of only 2 gallons left, I only fill up my 19.2 tank to about 15.5-16 gallons. Will keep an eye on that, but overall will not drive to the very end, and fill when necessary.
I had my 1,000 mile complimentary service this past Friday (2/22), and let the service agent know that I felt my gauge and tank were off a bit, but they checked it and said all is well. What I didn't like is he insisted immediately when the light comes on, I have 2 gallons on reserve. But when you fill up because of only 2 gallons left, I only fill up my 19.2 tank to about 15.5-16 gallons. Will keep an eye on that, but overall will not drive to the very end, and fill when necessary.
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