Does winter diesel fuel equal worse mileage?
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
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'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
Does winter diesel fuel equal worse mileage?
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
Is this typical and expected?
Thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 118
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
2006 E320 CDI
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
I replaced it and now it hits 192-194 F. My mileage is up about 3.5mpg from it's winter norm.
Cheers
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
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.
Member
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From: Ohio
2006 E320 CDI
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
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.
Try adding an additive to the fuel. I use 8oz of Power Service every fillup and it seems to help out the mileage.
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