Fuel Economy

Z71_Silvy

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Man winter really makes a difference.

In the summer...100% city driving, I get about 15MPG...20-22 on the highway.

Now, I get about 18 on the highway and 12 in the city.

Think it's just the winter formula fuel or the cold?

Cold air is also more dense...thus requiring more fuel to get the correct air/fuel ratio.

As a result, engines put out more power in the cold.

Really? Never would have guessed :lol:

The Winter formulation gets blamed by a lot of guys for poor fuel economy.

I think that's part of it...but the density of the air is a bigger factor.

Another factor in winter mileage is air density, defined as the number of air molecules per cubic foot of air entering the engine. Remember that 14.7-1 air/fuel ratio? That means 14.7 parts of air are mixed with one part of fuel for the perfect air/fuel ratio -- that's a lot of air!

In winter, colder air means denser air -- more molecules per cubic foot. At any specific throttle setting or opening, the same number of cubic feet of air, but containing more air molecules, will enter the engine. The computer will provide more fuel to create the proper air/fuel ratio at that moment. This is a bit more subtle, since "more air/more fuel" produces more power, so you may be able to operate at a slightly lower throttle setting -- sort of rebalancing the equation.
 

drperry

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Winter fuel does have an impact, but not as much as people say...

Most people don't tend to cound idle time into their fuel mileage...
 

Zembonez

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My foot is the reason I get crappy mileage. I'd rather have fun than give a shit about the gas mileage personally.
 

Zembonez

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Not trying to be a prick... just that if I was fuel economy minded I would not have a V8 truck.
 

Zembonez

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Not trying to be a prick... just that if I was fuel economy minded I would not have a V8 truck.

So, that's why you drive the Scion so much............... :jester:

Nah. We just enjoy it. I only average about 22 in it. Emily averages about 25. It doesn't get great mileage. We really don't buy based on mileage.
 

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