mikemargolis

If you click on my fuelly link, you'll notice that my mileage has dropping a few mpg consistently through the winter months.

Is this typical and expected?

Thanks in advance

Carsy

I have never used winter diesel but believe it contains fewer waxes & an increase in lighter factions.

I do believe there would be less energy (BTU's) in these lighter factions & therefore less MPG.

As an example ,when a ship enters port using preheated heavy fuel oil & it is changed over to light marine diesel (so the heavily waxed heavy oil will not solidify in the lines) the revs of the engine will drop indicating less energy in the fuel.

edwinwalke

I have always seen mileage go down during the winter months. It is the result of longer warm up times and the fuel winterization.

kurtismayfield

Your mileage also suffers from low engine temperature, so check that your thermostat is functioning properly. Mine was consistently hitting 180-182 F.
I replaced it and now it hits 192-194 F. My mileage is up about 3.5mpg from it's winter norm.

Cheers

jkaetz

Likely the longer warm up times are more to blame than the fuel itself. Engines will use extra fuel to get up to operating temperature. In the summer this can happen with just a couple minutes of driving. In the winter in can take considerably longer depending on just how cold it is. That is where most of your lost mileage will be.

Nuke

D1 has less energy per gallon the D2, thats why fuel economy drops.

kurtismayfield

This why it is important to check the thermostat. Otherwise your vehicle will use extra fuel all day trying to get trhe temp up!

dgiturbo

Winter fuel does drop your mileage. It is a different blend toavoid gelling. Also most tend to idle their vehicle to warm it up and defrost, which kills mileage also.
Try adding an additive to the fuel. I use 8oz of Power Service every fillup and it seems to help out the mileage.