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Old 04-17-2014, 08:42 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Cool Regular Maintenance FTW

I figured it was just the cold killing my fuel economy, but now that Chicago's winter is FINALLY going away that excuse doesn't hold anymore...

Turns out my rear calipers were completely frozen closed. The pads and rotors were shot too on all four wheels.

It may be part placebo, but the mechanic who fixed it confirmed "This thing coasts forever, not sure if that's just a hybrid thing or what..." (his work is mostly heavy trucks). I also swear the engine is shutting off more now, even when the temperature dips back toward 30 (it snowed on Tuesday).

MPG gain (or restoration) to be determined.

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Old 04-17-2014, 04:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Yeah, I had a similar issue. My caliper was hanging up a little, but I couldn't hear / tell because the wheel bearing was making a racket.
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Old 04-17-2014, 07:53 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Cool

They say not to set the parking brake in colder weather, so I been following that advice even her ein VA with the cold winter we have had.

Try the napa brake drag reduction spring. I bet you will feel like you added another 15 psi to your tires.

The insight guys relocate the outside temp sensor which is located under the front bumper cover closer to the radiator. Auto stop doesnt really work below freezing. Of course it also uses input from 50 other sensors including inside cabin humidity.

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Old 04-17-2014, 08:39 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cobb View Post
Try the napa brake drag reduction spring. I bet you will feel like you added another 15 psi to your tires.
That much? I can only barely feel the difference between 30 and 40psi...I need to go to the car parts store to get new lightbulbs, maybe I'll pick up one of them and test it out.
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Old 04-18-2014, 07:47 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Well, in my case I notice the car coasted further and took less throttle on grades to go up an more brake to maintain speed on the way down.

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