Cold Weather and MPG

fraynes1 · 01-14-2007, 04:06 PM

Does cold weather affect MPG?

I am currently getting around 13-15 US MPG on last three tanks of gas. That is doing the math and not the computer.

Since keeping track I we have had weather from plus 2 to minus 30 degrees celcius.
The last few morning's I have let it warm up 10-15 mins. before going to work. Does it make that big of a difference?

I have 6speed and thought I would get better mileage than this. I have only travelled approximately 3800 kms.

Thanks

Reswob · 01-14-2007, 04:09 PM

Winter gas will cause a small drop in mileage. But at 13-15mpg I'd say you're getting the best you're ever going to see out of a Jeep vehicle...

fraynes1 · 01-14-2007, 04:18 PM

This is mostly city driving with just a little highway driving mixed in.

How come some people were reporting 19-21mpg with mixed driving?

jimhut2000 · 01-14-2007, 04:36 PM

I'm averaging 19 Mixed driving.... It has not been all that warm here in Minnesota either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraynes1

This is mostly city driving with just a little highway driving mixed in.

How come some people were reporting 19-21mpg with mixed driving?

UTAH · 01-14-2007, 07:35 PM

I was averaging 18 MPG in 50/50 city/highway driving and it's dropped down to 17 MPG with temps close to zero degrees F in the morning.

Bill

brent.jeanette@ · 01-14-2007, 08:50 PM

UTAH, what are you running for air pressure in those 33's?

Thanks,
Brent

MD23 · 01-14-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fraynes1

The last few morning's I have let it warm up 10-15 mins. before going to work. Does it make that big of a difference?

Thanks

An extra hour or so of your engine at idle per week will surely affect your average economy. The real question, as you already asked, is by how much.

I have not experienced a discernable change in economy with 30 degree temperature differences.

directedby · 01-14-2007, 10:09 PM

winter grade gasoline is usually not as good as summer -

however, an engine runs more efficiently the cooler it is - you will get better performance and better MPG from a cooler engine.

Angryitch · 01-14-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD23

I have not experienced a discernable change in economy with 30 degree temperature differences.

Nor I with an average of 20-22 mpg (50-50 hiway/city).... Average temp this weekend was between 0-10 degrees, our coldest temps this winter... But, another 8 inches of snow dropped my average to 17-18 mpg, only because I was having waaayyyy too much fun! When I parked my Jeep this evening the computer read 19.4 est. mpg. With my hiway commutes to work this week I'm sure the mpg will increase...

UTAH · 01-15-2007, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brent.jeanette@

UTAH, what are you running for air pressure in those 33's?

Brent, I'm running 27 psi front & 24 psi rear.

Bill

wraithyjeep · 01-15-2007, 06:09 AM

not to get to scientific but most cars suffer from cold weather poor fuel economy.
for many reasons some are:
choke/ engine management and engine warm up
winter gas
tire pressure drops as temp drops
cold air is more dense there for you are driving through thinker air.
friction from snow/slush on the road
fluids are thicker until warm up
wipers on headlight on more heater blower motor/ electrical draw.
different driving habits in snow
I'm sure there is a couple i have missed.