Is it just me or when the roads are wet, my mileage drops significantly. I've also noticed my mileage drops whenever it gets very windy regardless of whatever direction I drive in. On these days, my average mileage would drop from say 49-50 mpg down to 43-45 mpg. I suppose I can reason it out, but just wanted to see what everyone else has experienced?

 

I notice it too. I think it's true for all cars though.

I took a road trip in Nebraska and I was at over 50mpg and once I hit the plains wind was socking me all around and I watched the FE gauge slowly drop all the way to 42mpg.

And rain makes it cooler and slipperier (is that a word), so that makes sense as well.

 

Yep, both head winds and rain/snow tend to drop your FE.

Running 55mph into a 20mph adds more wind drag to your car - requiring more power (gas) to maintain your speed. 20mph tail winds help increase your FE. Some here advise that you can reduce the effect of headwind by "drafting" behind other vehicles - like trucks.

Wet pavement and puddles take more power (gas). to overcome rolling resistance of your tires as they "plow" through the water/snow. Some here have suggested you can pick a path within your lane where puddles are not collecting - maybe next to the well travelled ruts in the pavement.

 

I guess that you're just like the rest of us. Wind does affect MPG, all except a direct tailwind will decrease MPG. A tailwind or direct headwind is almost equivalent to driving at the difference (sum) speed.

Wet roads cause rolling resistance as your car has to move water out of the way. The same is also true for the water that hits the front of your moving car.

JeffD

 

Always try to drive with a 60 mph driving rain directly on your tail :o)