Anyone else notice increased MPG lately?

[GuitarGerber]

Just wondering if anyone else has seen an increase lately. I heard a blip on a news story about how ethanol subsidies have been rolled back, and I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed their MPG rising? Mine has been about a 5-8% increase in the last few months.

[JockoT]

mpg always suffers in the winter. Stiff tyres, cold wet roads, longer warm-up times. Mine goes from around 60 mpg in a Scottish summer to about 55 in a wet Scottish winter. We have the same ethanol (5%) all year round.

[GuitarGerber]

That's what I don't understand. Mine has gotten significantly better this winter. I usually get around 38-40, but have been in the 44-46 range recently.

[JockoT]

Oh, sorry. I thought you meant it had gone the other way. Have you made any significant changes to your route, driving style or even engine oil choice?

[GuitarGerber]

None at all. I drive the same route the same way every day. No oil change lately - one is due next week. I've tried to google whether Exxon is still using ethanol in their mix, because this mileage reminds me of when I fill up on ethanol-free gas, but I can't find any information.

[trollbait]

How's the weather? It has been milder here than what is normal, and that helps fuel economy.

[Airstreamer67]

You can test for the proportion of ethanol in gasoline pretty easily without a lot of equipment. Google the topic if you are interested in finding out how to do this. I did it a few years ago and found the anticipated 10% in E10-rated fuel to be true. Then I tested some gasoline that was sold as straight without alcohol, and the test proved it to be true, too.

[JockoT]

Originally Posted by Airstreamer67

You can test for the proportion of ethanol in gasoline pretty easily without a lot of equipment.

Very interesting and very easily done.

[ezshift5]

Interesting..........in that mine fuel numbers also have been trending up.

I thought it was because of my routine being modified by the present "shelter at home" situation.

ez

[LDB]

Mine is significantly down due to shorter and more infrequent drives due to the latest political ploy.