Crappy "winter" fuel

TrueBlue · December 15, 2023

I've read a lot of threads here on the affect on mpg that oxygenated fuel has. I'm seeing about 1.5mpg less since the fuel started being sold here for the Winter months. I don't mind too much because I don't have to commute in my truck and so I don't put a ton of miles on it. But in 50+ years of driving I've never noticed such a big hit from this fuel. Makes me wonder if the state I live in has allowed the ration of gas to ethenol to increase closer to 15%. Rant over. Thanks for listening.

silveradosid · December 15, 2023

i have lost 3 mpg, remote starting and colder air is harder to push through

redwngr · December 22, 2023

And thicker oil in differentials and transmissions when the trip is starting.

And electric heaters in steering wheel, seats, mirror/window defrosters.

All make a difference.

Summer of course means AC for most.

Some notice the 'best' fuel economy in the spring/fall seasons.

Bikerjon · December 23, 2023

You can check for alcohol content in your fuel. I have a graduated vial that I add a predetermined amount of fuel, then add a measured amount of water shake/stir and let the vial stand. The water will bind to the alcohol and when the water/alcohol and fuel separate the vial will indicate the amount of alcohol in your fuel. The vial I have was produced by Briggs and Stratton. Mainly for use in small engine repair. You may be able to find something similar on Amazon or from B&S. That being said my truck is a big 4X4 with a V8. I drive it hard because its fun and I don't pay any attention to the gas mileage. Most people wildly exaggerate their MPG anyway. But you are right the fuel they are selling today is horsesh*t.

Edited December 23, 2023 by Bikerjon

CamGTP · December 23, 2023

My beater car is still getting the same 20-22 mpg on avg that it always has even with the cold weather and "winter" fuel.

Still costs me $20 a week to drive it.

TrueBlue · December 23, 2023

33 minutes ago, Bikerjon said:

You can check for alcohol content in your fuel. I have a graduated vial that I add a predetermined amount of fuel, then add a measured amount of water shake/stir and let the vial stand. The water will bind to the alcohol and when the water/alcohol and fuel separate the vial will indicate the amount of alcohol in your fuel. The vial I have was produced by Briggs and Stratton. Mainly for use in small engine repair. You may be able to find something similar on Amazon or from B&S. That being said my truck is a big 4X4 with a V8. I drive it hard because its fun and I don't pay any attention to the gas mileage. Most people wildly exaggerate their MPG anyway. But you are right the fuel they are selling today is horsesh*t.

Thanks. I would hope that by using Chevron exclusively as I do that I wouldn't have to worry about adulterated fuel. I wasn't trying to say the gas is sub-par, just that the Winter fuel mix is crap. In principle.

J2Jones · January 3, 2024

On 12/22/2023 at 10:29 AM, redwngr said:

And thicker oil in differentials and transmissions when the trip is starting.

And electric heaters in steering wheel, seats, mirror/window defrosters.

All make a difference.

Summer of course means AC for most.

Some notice the 'best' fuel economy in the spring/fall seasons.

I've debated asking about this. I live in North Carolina so fairly mild weather but I definitely notice lower MPG on cold days. It seems to be much more pronounced in this truck than other vehicles I've owned. I see 1.5-2.0 MPG less anytime the temps get into the low 40's F or below.