Why is my car getting MORE to the gallon as it gets older?

MrsE_2

TITEASCRAMP wrote: »

You are 40. I had a car H reg '91 with a manual choke. Anyway thats your answer.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

vikingaero

Yep it's a mixture of the engine being run in and producing better power and mpg and also the warmer weather which means the car reaches it's operating temperature quicker.

MrsE_2

vikingaero wrote: »

Yep it's a mixture of the engine being run in and producing better power and mpg and also the warmer weather which means the car reaches it's operating temperature quicker.

Whats the optimum running in then?

Anyone know?

inmypocketnottheirs

It's all down to the average as in post 3. Until you reach the average that the vehicle is doing it will keep changing.

If you reset it now, it will start at something like 14 mpg and gradually increase until it reaches the true average.

cyclonebri1

As stated previously,

The car will use much more fuel in winter do to cold starts and additional electrical loads, ie lights, blower, heated windows etc. The only counter to this is if you overdo the AC in summer, now that will really increase FC by probably 5%

I remember autocar doing a long term test about 15 years ago now. They used the last model ford granada and ran it for a staff car for something like 3 years and 50K miles. They did performance tests on it a bout every 5K. It was still improving at 25k and still the same at 30k but droping of at 35k.

I think they said it was at its most efficient for both FC and performance at 28K miles:money:

MrsE_2

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

As stated previously,

The car will use much more fuel in winter do to cold starts and additional electrical loads, ie lights, blower, heated windows etc. The only counter to this is if you overdo the AC in summer, now that will really increase FC by probably 5%

I remember autocar doing a long term test about 15 years ago now. They used the last model ford granada and ran it for a staff car for something like 3 years and 50K miles. They did performance tests on it a bout every 5K. It was still improving at 25k and still the same at 30k but droping of at 35k.

I think they said it was at its most efficient for both FC and performance at 28K miles:money:

Gosh, I only do about 6k miles a year, will I ever reach optimum fuel economy:rotfl:

I wouldn't put the AC on, unless I was driving in London (once in a blue moon) & didn't want the windows open.

I prefer the window open, but it is nice to cool a car down if its been sitting in the sun.

AdrianHi

As said, a combination of the engine loosening up with miles but most of all not needing heaters, the engine warming up quicker and not having it's energy taken away by an icy cold wind through the radiator in winter. I see my diesel car at circa 42mpg in winter and 46mpg in summer for much the same journey.
Studies have demonstrated that there is little difference between having windows open or air con on, so the advice is generally air con. for motorways (where the higher speed does mean this is more efficient) and above all do what it takes to be comfortable and not too hot in the car which is more important than saving 1mpg.

MrsE_2

AdrianHi wrote: »

As said, a combination of the engine loosening up with miles but most of all not needing heaters, the engine warming up quicker and not having it's energy taken away by an icy cold wind through the radiator in winter. I see my diesel car at circa 42mpg in winter and 46mpg in summer for much the same journey.
Studies have demonstrated that there is little difference between having windows open or air con on, so the advice is generally air con. for motorways (where the higher speed does mean this is more efficient) and above all do what it takes to be comfortable and not too hot in the car which is more important than saving 1mpg.

I don't use the aircon because I prefer the fresh air through the open window, I do most of my driving along country roads & its nice to smell the grass & stuff.
I would use the aircon on a motorway or if I wanted to close the window for security.

AdrianHi

MrsE wrote: »

I don't use the aircon because I prefer the fresh air through the open window, I do most of my driving along country roads & its nice to smell the grass & stuff.
I would use the aircon on a motorway or if I wanted to close the window for security.

Fair enough, we are allowed to try and enjoy our motoring too

I keep the car as hermetically sealed as possible this time of year to keep that vile summer pollutant known as "pollen" out of my face. If it wasn't for hay fever I'd love a convertible right now :j