Just bought a 98 Concorde LXi - help!!

[removalmachine]

Hi,

We just bought it - 140kms - great shape. Had a tune-up, oil change etc. Runs smooth, lots of power. tires are new and correct pressure.

After 2 tanks though - we're getting slightly better than 14mpg... it is winter here - avg temp is about -30 frnht.

Had a drivability and emmisions scope and check at chrysler dealership today - they said everything is tickitty-boo.


Is this normal? We were anticipating 17-19mpg....

Any insight, would very much appreciate it.

[AWP9521]

With temps at -30F I'm surprised the MPG is not worse than 14. When it's that cold all the lubricants in the engine, transmission, differential, and power steering are really thick, it takes more drag on the engine to move them fluids until they thin out a little when they get warmed up, this also applies to the grease in the wheel bearings, it's harder to turn them when it's freezing cold out, people are also inclined to start the car and let run and warm up for a bit before venturing out into the winter wonderland. Add to that the drag on the Alternator from charging the battery (More amps are drawn from it for the first cold start) and running the heater, rear window defroster, lights and wipers if needed, all this adds up to more drag on the engine and will most definitely affect your fuel economy. Then snow on it's own is not exactly easy to drive through especially if the plow hasn't come through yet. Heck, even the gasoline blend in the wintertime is against you and doesn't lend to better fuel economy. All that adds up to less MPG in the winter time.

Your mileage will definitely improve come springtime.

[removalmachine]

Thanks!

[DMZ]

You might add a quart of 10wt oil to the crankcase as this will thin out first and lubricate the engine sooner, you may have to drain off a quart first so that you do not overfill. Goodluck

[Browser509]

Here's where the synthetic oils shine. They do not thickin up much due to colder temps. They will give you lubrication sooner than conventional oils, will decrease engine wear, and sometimes will improve MPG. No problem changing from fossil oils to syn.

[Browser509]

I forgot to mention but assume that you are already using 5W-30 oil. Stay with that weight!!10w-30 is too high viscosity.

[removalmachine]

Originally Posted by Browser509

I forgot to mention but assume that you are already using 5W-30 oil. Stay with that weight!!10w-30 is too high viscosity.

Thanks

I made an error when I originally posted - temps were closer to 0 to -10f (Canadian error)

Anyway, the last couple of weeks, it's been -30 to -50c (with wind chill) and now our mileage has dropped even more.

My 95 Tahoe 5.7l gets about 10mpg in this weather, it's a little disappointing to have a 3.2l and get 12 - 13.

I wish the dealership could have found something - but they say everything is good....

Oh well, may try the synthetic at next change.