[Boog8302]

I don't know what I am doing wrong. I drive 40 miles one way to work and I drive fairly flat roads. I monitor my MPG and they are different between the morning and night. In the morning I can average between 43-44 MPG and at night I average between 36-39. I don't understand the difference. I do drive different ways to and from work. Old military habbit of driving different paths. Both drives are around 40 miles and a large portion of them are flat roads. I just dont understand what is different. I do run the cruise control at 60 mph. Any thoughts?

 

[ParisTNDude]

If you have a Garmin GPS, set it to tell you the elevation. Even though roads may appear fairly flat and level, they can rise imperceptibly. Mine will get awful MPG going up the slightest hill.

 

[obermd]

Map your route in google maps and then run the route through GPS Visualizer profile input form. Your "flat" route is most likely downhill in the morning and uphill in the afternoon. Even the overall 200 ft drop in my morning commute results in about a 3-5 MPG difference between morning and afternoon.

 

[diesel]

Agreed about the elevation playing a major role. What about headwind vs. tailwind? I have seen a 5MPG drop when the wind is fighting me.

 

[Nellie]

mine will do the same
same road one way i get 48 on the way home its 39
elevation/wind/type of turns and road condition will play factors
i get better mpg if i foot feather it rather than cruise
still an awesome car either way

 

[revjpeterson]

Out here in Iowa, I can see a 30 mpg swing based on wind speed and direction. Sunday, I averaged just over 30 mpg on a 19 mile highway trip and got over 60 mpg on the return trip. Wind was 25-35 sustained, gusting to 45.

 

[jpm84092]

Wind speed plays an important role in fuel economy and the faster you drive - the more effect that the wind has.

 

[VtTD]

I've seen that with this car (only had for about a week now) and my last car. I'm in Vermont - so hills. Most of my drive is highway, but generally uphill to work and downhill from work.. about 30 miles each way. On my last car I'd do 50-55 home and about 40 to work. I see about the same proportions with this car. Rain also seems to have an affect (at least with my last car).

 

[obermd]

Rain increases rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy.

 

[spacedout]

Rain increases rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy.

Snow also increase rolling resistance, however sometimes if one is driving slower because of the snow you can see an increase in MPG. Ice actually increases MPG, since one has to drive super slow to maintain control & most tires have no traction or resistance at all.

I once drove from Green Bay,WI to Madison,WI during an ice storm and managed 44mpg in a car rated for 31mpg highway(2004 cavalier 2.2 ecotec 4 speed auto). My average speed was 44mph, 40mph is where the car could shift into top gear. Used just over 3 gallons to drive 136miles.

 

[70AARCUDA]

It could also be a METAL problem...lead (Pb, plumbum) in the foot of the driver (wink,wink)!?!

 

[brian v]

Yeah Dawg did you ever get rid of yer plumbum out of yer shoe ?

 

[Boog8302]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will figure it out using the feedback you have given me. I took the lead out of my boots too lol. I abused my Aveo but I am babying my Cruze. I don't get on it unless it is absolutely necessary. Today seemed to be a lot better though for the mileage coming to work. We will see what I get tonight when I go home.

 

[Merc6]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will figure it out using the feedback you have given me. I took the lead out of my boots too lol. I abused my Aveo but I am babying my Cruze. I don't get on it unless it is absolutely necessary. Today seemed to be a lot better though for the mileage coming to work. We will see what I get tonight when I go home.

If you haven't already done so, (can't see sigs in the AG app) get a fuelly account and download gas tracker app. Best way to keep track and leave notes for each tank of gas.


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