07 mileage has dropped

We've had an 07 Vibe since March & it's proved to be a pretty good little vehicle so far but I've noticed something about the mpg lately. Previously, the mpg was always at 30 mpg with my wife driving it to work & around (50/50 mix city & highway). It never really varied since we've had it (AC on/off, more city, more highway, etc). Now since winter is here, my wife starts it in the morning with her remote starter & lets it run for 10 - 15 minutes before heading off to work. Since she's started this, the mpg has dropped to 25 - 26. I know when it's idling, it's getting zero mpg but this seems to be a pretty good drop. Think this is drop is from her starting it or should I look for something else going on ? It's got about 20,000 on it now with no maintaince except oil changes. Thanks.

You nailed it. The combination of winter blend fuel and 15min of idling and cold air temps will KILL your fuel economy. Nothing you can do about it aside from move to climate that never gets cold.

Joel

Sounds good to me, as soon as the bridge is completed to Hawaii, I'm outta here. Do ya think 3 or 4 mpg savings will pay for the move ? Thanks for your input.

Bwahhaa! Yep, try to minimize the idle time. It doesn't do any good, be it the pocket book, the vehicle or the environment. On the worst of days, I'll run'em long enough to clear the windows. Other than that it's start & go.

Joel