winter gas mileage lower?

[nhcarp]

My gas mileage in winter with a '95 del Sol 1.5 is about 10% lower than any other season. I do not see any difference in my other vehicles. My temperature gauge hardly rises, but the heater seems normal. Any ideas? Normal for this year Honda?

[94SolGrl]

I've never heard of anything like that.... are you being more conservative or agressive as you drive? I guess it could vary based on temperature, but I would think it would have to be like alaska cold to make a difference. How long have you had the car? Make notes about your gas mileage. If it goes back up as the weather improves, I would call the local honda dealership and ask the service department. They won't charge you to answer questions. If it stays down and steadily decreases, it might be hinting at a bigger problem.

[Ace$nyper]

Odd no other car/truck of yours is effected.

Do you live in an area where they have a winter gas? Some cars are more picky but just my theory.

I do and milage drops with a huge ole v-8 it sucks!

[ImSoYesterday]

shouldnt it go up with colder air burning better?

[Ace$nyper]

Not with winter gas this shit sucks hardcore.

I'll ask my dad but if memory serves me its for carbs anti jelling or somthing.

[JakeDrummer]

Originally Posted by ImSoYesterday

shouldnt it go up with colder air burning better?

Its probably a combination of a few different things. All of my honda's refuse to heat up to normal temp unless I stick a peice of cardboard covering about half the radiator up. I call it winter over-cooling.
Also the car will run rich until it warms up, so that will kill your mileage too.

Winter formulated gas from what I understand is acctully better than summer gas octain wise, but I would assume that is due to an increase in oxygen-rich ethanol being added. Ethanol from my experience sucks in honda's, you don't have as much power, you get more knocks, and your mileage goes down a few mpg's. I'm rambling so I'll stop, here is what you should do; try sticking a peice of cardboard in front of your radiator, only cover about half of it up and see what happens. I found with my 91 Civic that I ended up getting about the perfect balance between overheating and cooling with about 3/4 of my radiator covered. But make sure you watch your temp gauge for awhile just to see what happens so your car doesn't overheat. Thats my hope it helps

[vtecsol]

I'de have to say the only thing I can think of is that you might be spinning the wheels when you start without knowing it, and if you let it warm up or idle longer than usual that affects the mileage too. I've always noticed the idle on mine is higher and stays higher for a longer period of time before it's warmed up. Also, the motor is colder before you start it and that means more gas is being wasted before it starts. idk, i bet its just a combination of things.