MPG dropping...after 4th tank, what is going on.
12-20-11, 08:04 PM
#1
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MPG dropping...after 4th tank, what is going on.
I get gas at the same Chevron and this was my 4th tank. My tank mpg estimate is at 17.5 mpg currently and it has consistently been at 22mpg for the last 3 tanks. My driving habits have been the same. The wife did take it for a spin on the first 30 miles of this tank though. She must have redlined it at every signal light. I am at about 70 miles now on this tank. Should I worry or have you guys gotten mpg this low before?
Last edited by lpv; 12-20-11 at 08:07 PM.
12-20-11, 09:01 PM
#4
mine has dropped and dropped since I've bought my car. But I've also added alot of weight since. 20" rims, lip kit, molded wald spoiler, sub box, and a alpine type x 12 with big a** magnet. Hopefully my gas mileage will improve just a little bit once I throw on my factory rims for the winter
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12-21-11, 12:31 AM
#8
I get gas at the same Chevron and this was my 4th tank. My tank mpg estimate is at 17.5 mpg currently and it has consistently been at 22mpg for the last 3 tanks. My driving habits have been the same. The wife did take it for a spin on the first 30 miles of this tank though. She must have redlined it at every signal light. I am at about 70 miles now on this tank. Should I worry or have you guys gotten mpg this low before?
12-21-11, 06:51 AM
#10
here's a some explanations courtesy of fueleconomy.org
Quick acceleration and heavy braking can reduce fuel economy by up to 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. New EPA tests account for faster acceleration rates, but vigorous driving can still lower MPG.
Excessive idling decreases MPG. The EPA city test includes idling, but more idling will lower MPG.
Driving at higher speeds increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance), reducing fuel economy. The new EPA tests account for aerodynamic drag up to highway speeds of 80 mph, but some drivers exceed this speed.
Cold weather and frequent short trips can reduce fuel economy, since your engine doesn't operate efficiently until it is warmed up. In colder weather, it takes longer for your engine to warm, and on short trips, your vehicle operates a smaller percentage of time at the desired temperature. Note: Letting your car idle to warm-up doesn't help your fuel economy. It actually uses more fuel and creates more pollution.
Cargo or cargo racks on top of your vehicle (e.g., cargo boxes, canoes, etc.) increase aerodynamic drag and lower fuel economy. MPG tests do not account for this type of cargo.
Towing a trailer or carrying excessive weight decreases fuel economy. Vehicles are assumed to carry only three hundred pounds of passengers and cargo during testing.
Running electrical accessories (e.g., air conditioner) decreases fuel economy. Operating the air conditioner on "Max" can reduce MPG by roughly 5–25% compared to not using it.
Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain or on unpaved roads can reduce fuel economy. The EPA test assumes vehicles operate on flat ground.
Using 4-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are tested in 2-wheel drive. Engaging all four wheels makes the engine work harder and increases transfer case and differential losses.
Quick acceleration and heavy braking can reduce fuel economy by up to 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. New EPA tests account for faster acceleration rates, but vigorous driving can still lower MPG.
Excessive idling decreases MPG. The EPA city test includes idling, but more idling will lower MPG.
Driving at higher speeds increases aerodynamic drag (wind resistance), reducing fuel economy. The new EPA tests account for aerodynamic drag up to highway speeds of 80 mph, but some drivers exceed this speed.
Cold weather and frequent short trips can reduce fuel economy, since your engine doesn't operate efficiently until it is warmed up. In colder weather, it takes longer for your engine to warm, and on short trips, your vehicle operates a smaller percentage of time at the desired temperature. Note: Letting your car idle to warm-up doesn't help your fuel economy. It actually uses more fuel and creates more pollution.
Cargo or cargo racks on top of your vehicle (e.g., cargo boxes, canoes, etc.) increase aerodynamic drag and lower fuel economy. MPG tests do not account for this type of cargo.
Towing a trailer or carrying excessive weight decreases fuel economy. Vehicles are assumed to carry only three hundred pounds of passengers and cargo during testing.
Running electrical accessories (e.g., air conditioner) decreases fuel economy. Operating the air conditioner on "Max" can reduce MPG by roughly 5–25% compared to not using it.
Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain or on unpaved roads can reduce fuel economy. The EPA test assumes vehicles operate on flat ground.
Using 4-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are tested in 2-wheel drive. Engaging all four wheels makes the engine work harder and increases transfer case and differential losses.
12-21-11, 04:42 PM
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