Holy Jeebus! Only 14.5 MPG!?!?
12-22-2003, 10:03 PM
#1
Holy Jeebus! Only 14.5 MPG!?!?
Holy Jeebus! I just filled up today (Amoco premium of course), and I calculated my MPG...I went 192.2 miles and filled up 13.2 gallons...which computes to only 14.5 MPG! I'm a freakin 5-speed! I used to get around 17-18 city, but now that's dropped to Ford standards! The only thing that I've changed recently is added 100 lb weights (17" 2k2 SE wheels). Think the new rims could have attributed to this ungodly drop in MPG? Man...I'm gonna get a tune up in 1 or 2 weeks...
12-22-2003, 10:10 PM
#4
Originally Posted by TL408
Being led-footed? LOL...
12-22-2003, 10:12 PM
#5
I got something close to that this week, but being winter, running the AC to defrost the windows with all the snow and rain we got the NE, running the same wheels as you and driving all city miles, I’m not surprised by it. A lot depends on conditions, driving habits and car maintenance.
12-23-2003, 05:23 AM
#8
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 288
Originally Posted by Juki5536
Holy Jeebus! I just filled up today (Amoco premium of course), and I calculated my MPG...I went 192.2 miles and filled up 13.2 gallons...which computes to only 14.5 MPG! I'm a freakin 5-speed! I used to get around 17-18 city, but now that's dropped to Ford standards! The only thing that I've changed recently is added 100 lb weights (17" 2k2 SE wheels). Think the new rims could have attributed to this ungodly drop in MPG? Man...I'm gonna get a tune up in 1 or 2 weeks...
12-23-2003, 05:24 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 368
could be an 02 sensor. wheen nmine bleew my mpg went to crap. iv then since replaced the bad sensor and used the bg 44k fuel system cleaner. i forget the exact numbers but i do remember being very pleased. ill check on the way home today and see where im at mileage wise and post it up.
I'll replace the O2 sensors when winter goes away...
12-25-2003, 08:49 AM
#13
Well after I filled up my tank, a couple days ago I got my CEL light going again. The last 3 times I pulled it, it was EVAP system. I'll have my mechanic check it out. I'll post up again what kind of MPG i get after next tank. I was just real scarrd there. I can't afford no Expedition MPG on my broke azz salary! Thanks for the suggestions. Ill most definitely pour in some good fuel cleaner.
12-26-2003, 01:36 PM
#15
tire pressure is inflated to 35 PSI. I'm gonna be changing my Monsterflow air filter to a K&N soon, spark plugs, fuel filter, all that stuff is getting changed (basic tune-up). How do I check an 02 sensor?
12-26-2003, 05:25 PM
#16
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
Poor gas mpg, like you're experiencing, can be attributed to a number of things:
1) Cold weather. When the temps drop, cars take a long time to warm up and they run extremely rich. On a stone cold engine and in 20 degree weather, your car gets about 5mpg until the engine warms up. If you do a lot of short trips with an engine that never warms up, your mpgs will be horrendous.
2) Oxygenated gas. While cleaner burning in the winter months, oxygenated gas (usually hits cold weather climates in December) will cause a car to get worse gas mileage. Many people notice their car's performance gets a little sluggish with this type of gas too.
3) Heavier rims and wider than stock tires. When I swap between my stock 15" sawblades and my 17" rims, I see about a 2mpg drop. My 17s actually weigh less overall than the 15s too, but the wider tires and increased rotational weight take thier toll.
I wouldn't pay must attention to anyone's recommendations if they live in warm winter climates that rarely experience long term sub 40 degree weather. Their cars don't experience the ultra rich running conditions, ice cold engine start ups, or oxygenated fuel.
Here in Kansas City we got a two week stretch of 20-30 degree day time weather. With my 17s mounted and some pretty timid driving (snow), I only got 20mpg overall and that's with a car that's parked in a warm garage and rarely sees harsh cold engine starts. My wife's Legacy GT wagon spends it's entire life outside and it's overall mpgs have gone from 24mpg to 19mpg.
Dave
1) Cold weather. When the temps drop, cars take a long time to warm up and they run extremely rich. On a stone cold engine and in 20 degree weather, your car gets about 5mpg until the engine warms up. If you do a lot of short trips with an engine that never warms up, your mpgs will be horrendous.
2) Oxygenated gas. While cleaner burning in the winter months, oxygenated gas (usually hits cold weather climates in December) will cause a car to get worse gas mileage. Many people notice their car's performance gets a little sluggish with this type of gas too.
3) Heavier rims and wider than stock tires. When I swap between my stock 15" sawblades and my 17" rims, I see about a 2mpg drop. My 17s actually weigh less overall than the 15s too, but the wider tires and increased rotational weight take thier toll.
I wouldn't pay must attention to anyone's recommendations if they live in warm winter climates that rarely experience long term sub 40 degree weather. Their cars don't experience the ultra rich running conditions, ice cold engine start ups, or oxygenated fuel.
Here in Kansas City we got a two week stretch of 20-30 degree day time weather. With my 17s mounted and some pretty timid driving (snow), I only got 20mpg overall and that's with a car that's parked in a warm garage and rarely sees harsh cold engine starts. My wife's Legacy GT wagon spends it's entire life outside and it's overall mpgs have gone from 24mpg to 19mpg.
Dave
12-28-2003, 01:03 PM
#19
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 818
Winter
Do you let your car warm up? If you don't, like they said, it runs VERY rich. If you do, yes it takes gas, but it doesn't take as much. Plus, the oil has warmed up and thinned out, and the pistons, rings and valves have expanded enough to keep compression.
Don't forget that a wet surface means the tires are more likely to spin when they would normally have traction, and colder, denser air requires more fuel to maintain proper A/F ratio.
My mpg dropped from a dead-consistent average of 27 to 25-26. I keep my tires aired up and my air filter clean too.
Don't forget that a wet surface means the tires are more likely to spin when they would normally have traction, and colder, denser air requires more fuel to maintain proper A/F ratio.
My mpg dropped from a dead-consistent average of 27 to 25-26. I keep my tires aired up and my air filter clean too.
12-28-2003, 10:33 PM
#20
I let my car warm up until its at LEAST 1/3 of way above C. It warms up for a good 5-8 minutes before I drive, always. And most of my drives are 5, maybe 10 minute drives. If the car sits for more than 30 min, it gets warmed up again. Ive got my SES light goin, I'll have my mechanic pull codes. Maybe its the knock sensor, as I know many people experience horrible gas mileage when that goes bad. The last 3 times I pulled SES codes were EVAP Control. But yeah, mileage looks a little better now. Hopefully when I get a tune-up I see around 20 MPG.
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