[Btoeps74]

I've never really had much to complain about mileage wise but last night I was surprised to see I was only getting 25.5 MPG. The first time I reset before that I was getting 21.8. I'm assuming the -17° (Windchill) played a part, but I usually get anywhere between 29-33 MPG going to and from work. I'm gonna use fuelly app again next fill up and monitor. Another possible cause could be getting a car wash earlier in the day. Maybe iced something up. I'm no mechanic so just grasping at straws lol.

 

[afig367]

As far as temperature is concerned, windchill only affects living stuff (e.g., you), not cars..... but if it's blowing that hard, it's likely wind resistance combined with the fact that colder air is more dense to begin with.

 

[cfever]

I can't seem to get above 25 mpg when the temperature gets below 40. Days like today when it's 0 out its even worse. When spring comes my 2014 XV will be back to 29 mpg. At least gas is cheap right now!


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[vahallaoven]

Engine does have a "desired" operating temperature https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml

It shouldn't have a large impact on MPG if you take long trips but if you drive short trips then you should see a hit because of temperature.

 

[Btoeps74]

I don't recall if it was windy or not last night. And I was 20 miles into a 40 mile trip so operating temps should've been ideal. I do get what you mean about short trips. I'd also be curious as to check tire pressures when temps dip. I'm sure even though the sensor light never came on, that they were still lower than normal.

 

[vahallaoven]

General rule of thumb is 1 psi per 10 degree F. Tire pressure shouldn't have such noticeable difference to MPG. More likely electrical system (like heated seat?) to contribute to this drop than anything else. Also the on board MPG calculator can be inaccurate especially for short trips without a lot of data to average out.

 

[Painter]

I've also noticed variations with my XV. I tried high octane and a few different gas stations to see if there was a noticeable difference. There wasn't a noticeable difference in any octane or brand of gas. My last fill up was at a different gas station. My mileage went from 22.5 to 28.5 (currently). I also read on another thread here that a member suggested that staying below 60 mph showed a difference in mpg. I tried this as well on this last tank of gas, so I'm not sure yet what helped out so much. I usually travel on the main road around 65 - 75 mph. On this last tank I kept between 60 - 65. This XV is new to me (a used 2014) so I will keep on experimenting. My distance to work is about 40 miles with 60% highway (65 mph) and 40% windy roads. I live in very hilly country so I don't see much level roads here.

 

[Btoeps74]

I've also noticed variations with my XV. I tried high octane and a few different gas stations to see if there was a noticeable difference. There wasn't a noticeable difference in any octane or brand of gas. My last fill up was at a different gas station. My mileage went from 22.5 to 28.5 (currently). I also read on another thread here that a member suggested that staying below 60 mph showed a difference in mpg. I tried this as well on this last tank of gas, so I'm not sure yet what helped out so much. I usually travel on the main road around 65 - 75 mph. On this last tank I kept between 60 - 65. This XV is new to me (a used 2014) so I will keep on experimenting. My distance to work is about 40 miles with 60% highway (65 mph) and 40% windy roads. I live in very hilly country so I don't see much level roads here.

I've definitely noticed a difference between 60 and 70 MPH. I'd rather get home quicker than save on gas so it is what it is. We have about the same distance commute.

 

[Painter]

I've definitely noticed a difference between 60 and 70 MPH. I'd rather get home quicker than save on gas so it is what it is. We have about the same distance commute.

I usually do the same as you, fly low. Once I get this "economy mindset" out of the way, I'll be back on the hammer!

 

[cyberquotient]

Cold weather messes with mileage in so many ways.

a) the engine needs more time to warm up and hurts MPG until so.
b) the fluids in the transmission and diffs need more time to warm up and hurts MPG until so.
c) lower than usual tire pressures as already mentioned
d) winter gas by itself returns worse MPG

The only upside is that dense cold air results in more horsepower available, but if that extra power is used, that also hurts fuel efficiency.

 

[veggiebone]

What the heck?! I drive very light and typically get 23-24mpg. Never hit 28 and I have 23k miles :-( Maybe timing chain.


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[TStark]

additionally, cold dense air is more noticeably difficult to drive through, more wind resistance. One learns this cycling!

 

[xmxer#51]

Cold weather messes with mileage in so many ways.

a) the engine needs more time to warm up and hurts MPG until so.
b) the fluids in the transmission and diffs need more time to warm up and hurts MPG until so.
c) lower than usual tire pressures as already mentioned
d) winter gas by itself returns worse MPG

The only upside is that dense cold air results in more horsepower available, but if that extra power is used, that also hurts fuel efficiency.

all of these are true, however with regard to item "a" anytime spent with the engine at idle to warm up will hurt your mpg's more than just taking off and driving.

 

[hudsonhawk2u]

Car sitting at idle warming up is really bad. I've seen my MPG drop by 4 MPG warming it up for 15 minutes.
Typically only warm it up for less than 5 minutes, unless it's -20F out like last week.
I usually get 34 mid summer, now I'm getting 28. (mostly county roads & no stops, 45-65 MPH)
MPG really go down when pushing any slush/snow, like out on lake ice fishing & having fun.

 

[xmxer#51]

Car sitting at idle warming up is really bad. I've seen my MPG drop by 4 MPG warming it up for 15 minutes.
Typically only warm it up for less than 5 minutes, unless it's -20F out like last week.
I usually get 34 mid summer, now I'm getting 28. (mostly county roads & no stops, 45-65 MPH)
MPG really go down when pushing any slush/snow, like out on lake ice fishing & having fun.

exactly. i have also noticed a decrease in mileage from just rain.

 

[Xubaru]

Speed has a pretty big effect on mpg as wind resistance increases exponentially with speed.

Mpg For Speed - Fuel Efficiency Vs. Speed
"According to studies backed by the department of energy, the average car will be at its advertised MPG at 55 mph. But as the speed increases:

- 3% less efficient at 60 mph
- 8% less efficient at 65 mph
- 17% less efficient at 70 mph
- 23% less efficient at 75 mph
- 28% less efficient at 80 mph"

 

[Hacksaw]

What the heck?! I drive very light and typically get 23-24mpg. Never hit 28 and I have 23k miles :-( Maybe timing chain.


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Driving style and environment have mostly everything to do with your mpg. To ensure that it's only those two items affecting your mpg, check your tire pressures and alignment. Timing chain has nothing to do with your mpg since everyone else has a timing chain. See my Fuelly link below for my ex '14 XV mpg.

 

[Kirstypurr]

Xubaru, would the really high winds I'm getting now be what's caused my mpg to decline massively? 80km winds make the car 28% less fuel efficient? Winds are gusting to over 100km per hour I think they said it's averaging 85km. Where I'd normally use 1/4 of a tank I've used almost half a tank. Nearly double. I was worried something was wrong with the car. Have checked tyre pressures, was going to get Subaru to check it but if the wind is the likely cause I'll wait it out. I've even been driving extra cautiously so it's not like I suddenly became a NASCAR driver


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[orndog]

If you're driving into a wind like that, yes. Your car would basically be trying to go (speed + wind speed)km/hour, additionally you'd only be covering the real km's you've traveled.

 

[Kirstypurr]

That makes sense. Thank you. I was getting really worried.


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