I've noticed my 4 runner has poor gas mileage when it gets below 60 degrees outside. Coincidentally, it's also the temperature when I start to hear "piston slap". Normally I get 20mpg+ in my routines, but a couple of weeks in 60 degree weather it'll drop to 18mpg. Anyone else have this problem? Am I correct in assuming the two are related?
Poor Gas Mileage in Cold
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Christiantdoug
New member
I speak for everyone. Your lucky to get 18. And yes it is normal to get lesser mpg's in the winter
Just to clarify. I live in Florida, so we don't get winter in a season form, but just waves of cold fronts. Using the same tank of gas (1 tank lasts me 3 weeks), I will notice my MPGs drop for the week we have the cold front and shoot back up when the cold front passes.
lem14
New member
MPG's definitely drop with cooler weather. Here are a few reasons based on an article at about.com
Cold Weather Vehicle Fuel Mileage – Why Winter Fuel Economy Drops – Fuel Mileage Drop in Vehicles
Just a couple ideas to give you some kind of an answer. Hope it helps.
Cold Weather Vehicle Fuel Mileage – Why Winter Fuel Economy Drops – Fuel Mileage Drop in Vehicles
- Cooler temperatures means more viscid fluids, ie slightly more friction.
- Cooler temperatures mean low tire pressure, and as it is generally known that improperly inflated tires get lower MPG.
- Air-fuel mixture rates are set for optimal running temp. When the engine is cool, say around 60 degrees, it is not going to have an optimal fuel-air ratio.
Just a couple ideas to give you some kind of an answer. Hope it helps.
