Fuel Economy

[EcoDieselJolene]

Do any of you folks notice poorer mpg when it's colder? I've had my EcoDiesel for about 5 weeks. The first three were pretty mild, the last couple have been pretty frigid (by East TN standards). My fuel economy has seemed to decline in this time. Is this typical?
Also, fuel additives? The antigel stuff. Is that something I should be using?

 

[Al T]

Mine has been right around 17mpg this winter about 50% in town and 50% highway. The temperature
has been below freezing for quite a while. I've tried a couple of different additives (Howes and Hotshots
secret) it doesn't seem to help. I think it's just winter fuel. I also have a stage one tune from MRtuning.
and I drive like an old woman . I think the antigen is a good idea if you're running summer fuel year round
the rest of them I have my doubts. Hope this helps.

 

[BoostN]

Yep, winter hurts the fuel mileage of any diesel I've ever had. Idling more, less efficient due to cold weather, etc.

 

[EcoDieselJolene]

Ok. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[BoostN]

2-3 MPG overall loss FYI is what I've noticed, even with the EcoDiesel. I don't have a garage currently that I park my truck in so I have a lot of warm up time in the winter, I personally don't care about the fuel lost if I can get in a nice heated cab.

 

[EcoDieselJolene]

Geez... That's alot!

I'll be looking forward to spring time.

 

[GearHead]

Due to the winter blend, #1 diesel ratio to #2 diesel, which lowers the gel point of the fuel you can expect up to 10% reduction in fuel mileage. For my truck that is 2-3 mpg. I use a good winter diesel additive to help with the blend.

You may ask why the blend and why the loss in mpg. Your normal fuel is #2 diesel, it has a fairly high gel point so is not really good for cold weather. Now #1 diesel has a lower gel point but has a lower BTU potential so it nets less fuel mileage. The distributors change the blend based upon regional temperature expectations, to help keep the fuel from gelling in your filter and fuel lines. So this is called "Winter Blend". I treat with a winter diesel additive and some retailers do as well, this is called "Winter Treated Fuel".