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MPG drop? Cooler weather or something else?

Stanleyj42

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Stanleyj42 Enthusiast

Stanleyj42

Posted
Posted

I log all of my tanks on the fueleconomy.gov site and starting last week i've noticed a consistent 2-3 mpg drop with each tank of gas. I do have a 2.5' level and 275/60/r20 duratacs but they have been on for several weeks and i was averaging around 17.5 - 18.5 with 80/20 hwy/city after they were installed.

 

But in the last week 2 tanks have now dropped to 15.5 or less with the same type of driving habits.

 

A few things have change in the 2 week timeframe though and I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this or might be able shed some light

 

2 weeks ago 1st oil change and the 4wd auto engaging tsb was applied and the outside temperature has slowly been dropping colder and colder.

 

Could the sudden mpg drop be due to the cold weather or could this be related to something during the first service.

 

Thanks.

 

14 Silverado Enthusiast

14 Silverado

Posted
Posted

Nope it's all related to the colder temps which is normal and also winter blend of fuel is out now so that will also affect your fuel mileage. Last week I went from 18mpg to 15.5mpg. Dropped into the mid 30's and also my last fuel up I asked the station if they were using winter blend now and they said yes. This is the same station I always use. I also run a 2.5 leveling kit and 275/70/18 duratracs. Best way I look at it is to embrace the suck during the winter months. Lol. Hope this helps

Stanleyj42 Enthusiast

Stanleyj42

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Nope it's all related to the colder temps which is normal and also winter blend of fuel is out now so that will also affect your fuel mileage. Last week I went from 18mpg to 15.5mpg. Dropped into the mid 30's and also my last fuel up I asked the station if they were using winter blend now and they said yes. This is the same station I always use. I also run a 2.5 leveling kit and 275/70/18 duratracs. Best way I look at it is to embrace the suck during the winter months. Lol. Hope this helps

 

That absolutely helps. Thank you. I was thinking it was due to the colder weather but I always like to check with the masses. Thanks again.

glcbn Enthusiast

glcbn

Posted
Posted

Nope it's all related to the colder temps which is normal and also winter blend of fuel is out now so that will also affect your fuel mileage. Last week I went from 18mpg to 15.5mpg. Dropped into the mid 30's and also my last fuel up I asked the station if they were using winter blend now and they said yes. This is the same station I always use. I also run a 2.5 leveling kit and 275/70/18 duratracs. Best way I look at it is to embrace the suck during the winter months. Lol. Hope this helps

 

Yep!! ^^^^^^^

TxTruckMan Senior Enthusiast

TxTruckMan

Posted
Posted

I've always heard that the "winter gas drop" is a myth. Yes, there are winter gas blends, but it contains nearly the same amount of energy as regular gas. The difference is mostly for pollutants I believe. Most of the winter mileage drop has to do with the cold temps, not the gas. The cold makes the air much denser (harder to push vehicle through), takes more energy/gas to warm up, increased friction of your oils, etc.

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml

txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

I've always heard that the "winter gas drop" is a myth. Yes, there are winter gas blends, but it contains nearly the same amount of energy as regular gas. The difference is mostly for pollutants I believe. Most of the winter mileage drop has to do with the cold temps, not the gas. The cold makes the air much denser (harder to push vehicle through), takes more energy/gas to warm up, increased friction of your oils, etc.

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml

 

 

from your own link:

 

 

Winter grades of gasoline can have slightly less energy per gallon than summer blends.

TxTruckMan Senior Enthusiast

TxTruckMan

Posted
Posted

 

 

from your own link:

 

Right, but it's like 7th down in the list. And I did say "nearly". I think the items above it are larger players to poor economy. I wonder if anybody has ever done a test between the different gases?

Chris Senior Enthusiast

Chris

Posted
Posted

Winter blend combined with denser air allowing the computer to add more fuel because there is more oxygen

Sooperdave Enthusiast

Sooperdave

Posted
Posted

My problem is foot related due to even more pep in the step from the cold temps! Lol

Stanleyj42 Enthusiast

Stanleyj42

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've always heard that the "winter gas drop" is a myth. Yes, there are winter gas blends, but it contains nearly the same amount of energy as regular gas. The difference is mostly for pollutants I believe. Most of the winter mileage drop has to do with the cold temps, not the gas. The cold makes the air much denser (harder to push vehicle through), takes more energy/gas to warm up, increased friction of your oils, etc.

 

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml

 

That's awesome! My answer was on the site that I'm already posting my mpgs to. Right there in front of me. Excellent. haha.

PMattras Enthusiast

PMattras

Posted
Posted

I get the same mileage year round between 15-17. Summer and winter gas or colder temperatures doesn't mean anything to me.

tnchevy Senior Enthusiast

tnchevy

Posted
Posted

I always drop 1.5 to 2 mpg in the winter. I don't let my vehicles warm up either, I start them and go like always.

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