Getting disappointing mileage...
#1
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I'm trying to get an idea of why I'm getting worsening mileage and what to do about it. First off, I've had my '03 HCH since March '03 and I had been averaging 42-45 per tank. Last Nov I had air induction service done and new tires installed at the dealer; then I noticed I couldn't get it above 39. I found the following thread:
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...g-36mpg-13356/
I seriously doubt it was my driving habits since I haven't changed the way I drive. I do wonder if using E10 has a really noticeable effect. And do tires make that much difference (assuming they're always properly inflated and regularly rotated)?
https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...g-36mpg-13356/
I seriously doubt it was my driving habits since I haven't changed the way I drive. I do wonder if using E10 has a really noticeable effect. And do tires make that much difference (assuming they're always properly inflated and regularly rotated)?
#3
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Come to think of it, I do remember being disappointed when the overall milage of my trip from DC to Atlanta and back of being <41; I had had the car for 5 months. So the treading is a possibility...
#4
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I believe the tire rubber gets harder as it ages- decreasing it's footprint on the road, decreasing rolling resistance and increasing efficiency.
I had my original Dunlops replaced at 88,000 miles with the same tire and noticed perhaps 3-4MPG decrease.
There are also other factors to consider: My dealer offered several tires, and since I've had such good luck with the Dunlops I renewed them.
Other tires offered were not LRR.
Tire pressure is another question: My dealer always deflates them to 32PSI unless I specify 51. I've always ran mine at max cold sidwall pressure (51PSI) for maximim efficiency.
-Steve
I had my original Dunlops replaced at 88,000 miles with the same tire and noticed perhaps 3-4MPG decrease.
There are also other factors to consider: My dealer offered several tires, and since I've had such good luck with the Dunlops I renewed them.
Other tires offered were not LRR.
Tire pressure is another question: My dealer always deflates them to 32PSI unless I specify 51. I've always ran mine at max cold sidwall pressure (51PSI) for maximim efficiency.
-Steve
#5
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There are also other factors to consider: My dealer offered several tires, and since I've had such good luck with the Dunlops I renewed them.
Other tires offered were not LRR.
Tire pressure is another question: My dealer always deflates them to 32PSI unless I specify 51. I've always ran mine at max cold sidwall pressure (51PSI) for maximim efficiency.
![Wink](https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/images/smilies/emotikons/wink.gif)
I thought the recommended tire pressure was 30 (so I inflated mine to 32). I know overinflating causes uneven tread wear, but does it also cause accelerated tread wear?
#6
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the tires could possibly be underinflated, but i also suspect the E10. there is one station on my way to work that has only E10, and the time i used it, there was a definite reduction in my FE. there has been a lot of press lately on the fact that is does indeed decrease mileage.
http://www.sunjournal.com/story/2669...duces_mileage/
http://www.sunjournal.com/story/2669...duces_mileage/
#7
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I'm not so sure about the E10 part. I've only had my '03 HCH1 for a little over a month, but I'm on my third tank of gas and getting really decent milage. I've learned that driving habits REALLY matter, but I agree with the OP that I doubt she's "unlearned" how to drive well on the HCH. ![Wink](https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/images/smilies/emotikons/wink.gif)
I'm currently geting 49.9 with 340 miles on this tank (one tick under half tank) and here in Ohio we use E10.
![Wink](https://electricvehicleforums.com/forums/images/smilies/emotikons/wink.gif)
I'm currently geting 49.9 with 340 miles on this tank (one tick under half tank) and here in Ohio we use E10.
#8
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I know overinflating causes uneven tread wear, but does it also cause accelerated tread wear?
Feels like I'm driving on a soft sandy beach at 32PSI.
-Steve
Last edited by Hot_Georgia_2004; 06-03-2008 at 11:21 AM.
#9
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My car (~60K miles) does not have the original tires; I bought it used and they had been replaced by some more generic ones, and I've never gotten below 42mpg...sometimes getting as high as 47. I keep the pressure inflated to a little over 30psi. I have read that the increased tire wear doesn't happen until about 6 psi over the recommended amount.
I'm a grandma driver though. Maybe that's why I get good mileage.
I'm a grandma driver though. Maybe that's why I get good mileage.
#10
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It's a known fact that Ethanol contains approx. 34% less energy per unit volume than gasoline, so blending it with gasoline has got to be lowering the energy per unit of the fuel. As for the tires, I am running OEM Bridgestone 381s with 60 psi and they look great. My mpg is great with these tires as can be seen below.