Dorian7

Hey All,

Just wanted to see what people thought about the MPG I was getting and to see if it was "normal"?

I drive 6 miles to work each way everyday. It takes about 30 minutes to go that far as there are a lot of stop lights. I also drive some highway on the weekends and such so I would say the miles per tank are 80%. I also go over a decent sized hill on the way to work.

I am getting a pretty consistent 18 mpg lately. I feel like it's pretty bad, like I might as well be driving a 4runner. The car has been very well maintained (clean oil, fluids, air filter etc.) and has 70k miles on it. Newer Michelin tires on it (filled to 37psi). No engine problems or CELs.

My question - is it really just that bad?

hypervish

I consider that normal particularly due to the very cold winter temperatures, winter blend fuel and your short trips (with what sounds like many traffic lights and a lot of idling).

MPG will improve as the weather gets warmer and as winter blend fuel makes it's way out. But don't expect a large increase with your commute.

Norbecke

That seems normal I get 19-20 I drive 15 miles uphill on the way and down hill home. I have an 05 es330

PFB

Your MPG usge is normal, on the other hand you are putting way too much air preasure in your tires.


Phil

PuReChaos

Agree, you're 5 psi over what you should have. I also have a rather short commute which is about 10 miles down hill one way and uphill the other. I'm averaging around 19-21mpg.

Dorian7

Thanks for the input guys. We used to have a Prius and if you filled the tires up closer to the max psi on the sidewall you could get several more MPG. Anyways, well I guess I will either have to get a different car or just deal with it.

speedkar9

Well there's your problem.

BDSL

The tire pressure is specified on a sticker when you open the driver door.....

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

The PSI on the tire is the maximum pressure it can safely hold without blowing up. You should instead reference the door jamb sticker, as that's what the engineers have decided as the most optimal blend of comfort and rolling resistance. You can go higher, but you will risk losing traction (less contact with the road), getting a harsher ride, and uneven tire wear (higher pressure will wear out the middle of the tread).

PFB

+1

Not to mention extra stress and wear and tear on the suspension components.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

If it makes you feel better my last three fuel ups resulted in; 13.6, 9.8, 12.4 MPG


I run 35 in winter and 35-37 summer time...

Maybe its weather dependent, but in the winter anything less than 35 psi for me results in a 'flat looking' tire, the sidewalls are very gummy. Which is why I have to run no less than 35.

And in the summer I've ran upwards of 40 on my old 17's, and now around 36-ish on my summer tires... again so they're not gummy.

Dorian7

Thanks for all the feedback guys. In college I used to have a '97 and I averaged about 23mpg which was great! That was in a more rural area so I was expecting similar when I got the '00. Oh well.

BDSL

Looks can be deceiving. Stick with manufacturer's specifications unless you have done extensive testings.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

I agree. I've done testing;
1. looks flat
2. drives like **** a a result of 32 psi.

Been years since I've been doing that, with various size wheels/tires/lexus'

rlx101

Despite what you think - You have excellent gas mileage!! Don't believe me?

lets do some math ... 30min = 6miles = 12mph. Our cars were built to have optimal gas consumption at 55-60mph after that efficiency drops off.

Here is a typical example of an average car, you are right at the top of the mpg's for your driving speed (12mph) speed at red dot #1:

Want to improve your gas mileage? Drive those 6miles much faster, 60mph fast! You will save on gas but your insurance rates will skyrocket!!!