winter gasoline = increased fuel consumption

[Kluk Ztopolovky]

For more than a month I was away and now that I got back to driving my 3.6 JL I noticed about 10% higher fuel consumption. Most of us are well aware of the fact that in the cold winter months the engines will suck up more fuel but the weather so far has been pretty mild here in Ontario and I just noticed today the computer indicated 13 liters/100 km [ 18 mpg] .I used to be around 20 mpg. I suspect the winter gas mixture may have something to do with it.

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[cb4017]

I notice the same thing with the winter gas blends.

 

[#4Jeep 1st Wrangler]

October thru April = worse gas mileage
(At least in O-H-I-O).... gotta love winter blended fuel !

 

[SecondTJ]

Happens every year

 

[spurly]

I suspect the winter gas mixture may have something to do with it.

Winter gas has everything to do with it. Winter gas has somewhere in the range of 2-5% less energy than summer gas

 

[Litfuse]

Air is more dense in the winter compared to summer and requires more fuel. A motor is just a big air pump really.

 

[Mikeoso]

My MPG is down by about 5%

 

[RV Wrench]

Your engine runs in open loop mode until it reaches operating temp, then it runs in closed loop mode and is more efficient.

I had a minivan once that averaged 22-23mpg overall. That average plummeted to 18 when the thermostat stuck open and wouldnt let the engine reach operating temp.

You are loosing fuel mileage due to longer warm-up time and more idling/warmup time.

I dont think there is any difference between winter and summer GASOLINE. Diesel, yes, but not gasoline. They have no reason to change the gasoline formulation, it doesnt gel like diesel.

 

[Litfuse]

Your engine runs in open loop mode until it reaches operating temp, then it runs in closed loop mode and is more efficient.

I had a minivan once that averaged 22-23mpg overall. That average plummeted to 18 when the thermostat stuck open and wouldnt let the engine reach operating temp.

You are loosing fuel mileage due to longer warm-up time and more idling/warmup time.

I dont think there is any difference between winter and summer GASOLINE. Diesel, yes, but not gasoline. They have no reason to change the gasoline formulation, it doesnt gel like diesel.

Depending on your location, there is absolutely a difference in summer and winter blends.

 

[Litfuse]

It's known that the winter gasoline is cheaper.
I was told it has to do with flash point.
In summer, they have to produce higher quality fuel so that the flash point is also higher in order for it to be stable during months where the temperature is higher.
But come winter, that obligation is lifted and you get the cheap stuff.

The detergent package is the main difference between the two blends.

 

[daveprice7]

I noticed in the last few weeks my engine (v6) was sputtering occasionally when I was cruising at low RPMs (1700 ish), I.e 60mph in 5th gear. I've had to change to cruising at lower gears, effectively turning my 6-speed into a 4-speed. Strangely, my fuel economy hasn't been hot too hard; less than 1 MPG.

 

[johnparjr]

Here in Cali the winter blend sucks

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/06/what-is-the-difference-between-summer-and-winter-blend-gasoline/

 

[amnesiac]

Winter gas has everything to do with it. Winter gas has somewhere in the range of 2-5% less energy than summer gas

I’ve never heard of “winter gas” before.

can someone please explain this concept? why is this a thing?

 

[amnesiac]

Here in Cali the winter blend sucks

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/06/what-is-the-difference-between-summer-and-winter-blend-gasoline/

thanks for the link.

does anyone know when this switch takes place?

curious if my mpg is going to go down soon.

 

[cosine]

i've noticed a 1-2 mpg drop.since the colder weather showed up.

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