LansingLx

I have historically gotten 21mpg city and 30mpg highway. For some reason my gas mileage has gone done 20-25% for the past 6 weeks. I brought my car into the Lexus dealership for an oil change and they said everything checked out ok? I put on new tires around this time and went back and made sure they were balanced and proper tire pressure. I have been using the same gas so no issues here, Has anyone else had this problem? I am unhappy with this new poor mileage after enjoying so much better for 18 months!

Richard95

Are you sure you're not using gas with the 10% alcohol added. This will lower mileage.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Certain tire tread design and weight can cause a MPG loss but not 20-25%.Maybe the winter blend and/or 10% ethanol and new tires is the cause.

MadMax96

I noticed you're in Michigan and I'm sure it's cold there just like it is in Chicago.

Generally you'll get worse mileage in the winter - did you notice a difference last year?

I know I spend more time letting my car warm up on the driveway before I leave for work (10 mins before I leave) and to help melt off any ice/snow, etc.. My mileage has dropped by 2-3 mpg in the last month or so. Be thankful you don't have a thirsty V8 - according to my dash my average mpg is about 16.5 - it's usually at least 19. I know this sounds horrible but my 28 mile commute is all stop and go - and I don't exactly drive like an old lady.

zhivuyatut

My "tank average" number goes down from 27-28 to 24-25 in the weeks that we have a snowstorm. Lots of idling, crawling at suboptimal speeds and rolling resistance from snow/slush.

LansingLx

The gas has been from different locations, so I don't think that is the cause. My mileage last winter was "normal" not like the reduction this year. The tires are michelin, the same ones that I had on a previous ES300!
Something has changed and I can't figure out what is the cause! My highway driving on clear roads was only 26 after resetting the trip computer, in the city I used to get 20-21 now I'm getting 15-16. I have 46,000 miles and want to make sure the dealership takes care of any issues prior to 50,000 warranty issue

tromly

Welcome to CL, your gas mileage is definitely effected by the cold weather, mine goes down 17% each winter.

LansingLx

Thanks, but this is a new experience for me, last winter no reduction in fuel economy? Obviously when driving in snow/slush I would expect a reduction in gas mileage but that is not whats happening here. Something else is going on!

YotaCarFan

Two likely causes:

1. It's colder this year than last year. As others stated, colder weather reduces mpg. Also, winter blend fuel is less fuel efficient.

2. Cold weather also reduces tire pressure. When your dealer checked the pressure, the tires were likely warm/hot due to being driven to the dealer, increasing the air pressure inside & resulting in the dealer under inflating them. Check them in the morning before driving, & inflate accordingly. It's necessary to add air in the winter and bleed some out when spring rolls around.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

I noticed a big difference after I had new tires installed also. Went from Bridgestones to Yokohamas.

raviola4

I've noticed more of a drop this winter as well in Delaware. It has been colder than normal since mid December. My other car is a Rav4 and it came in around 20-21 last time on a fill. normally local driving consistent at 23-24. so roughly the 3mpg difference.

Obviously tire pressure as well less in cold so make sure it hasn't dropped (although warningn light should come on if it gets within 5 of the recommende 30 psi. I've had to keep 35-36 in mine to avoid that.