| quote | Originally posted by CowsPatoot:
Interesting. Have you had periods of lower mileage when repairs were needed, or has it been pretty consistent the whole time? |
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Interesting that you should ask; that's one of the primary reasons I've kept track in all my vehicles. In my experience, claims by auto service providers that regular tune-ups etc. will improve your mileage 10 to 15% are wildly optimistic. My mileage records don't support that improvement hypothesis. The only way to know is to do what I've done & few people can be bothered.
If your mileage is suffering due to a problem, you'll likely notice a performance issue before a gas consumption change.
Fill-up by fill-up variation is evident throughout the log; different pumps and car angles affect the amount of gas put in. I actually scan the lot for a location that will allow the right front tire to be lower than the other tires so the little tank can be filled the same amount. The length & type of driving have more effect. The longer work commutes yielded better mileage than the shorter ones. I suspect there's more variation there than, for example a 1 tank before & 1 tank after tune-up service comparison.
The log consistently shows better mileage in the summer than the colder months. Some cold weather driving is included as I use the car if the roads are dry & not white with salt in the winter. (Some winters in the Niagara region are pretty favourable for Fiero use, which can be better than it sitting for 4-5 months.)
Stop & go city driving has been minimal; probably 75% or so has been highway or secondary roads; the rest in low congestion areas.
[This message has been edited by David Hambleton (edited 11-19-2013).]