|
Hey Chuck...I wouldn't get frustrated too much about your recent tank as there are many factors that can throw off a tank or result in lower than expected results. The thing you have to remember is while you don't think you were hypermiling on your last tank you probably actually were a little bit...enough to affect mpg compared to 3, 6 or 12 months ago tanks. You are programmed to hypermile and as much as you think you're driving like a bat out of hell compared to when you really try to hypermile...you're probably still hypermiling at some level.
As far as variables, winter gas is one for sure but small changes in driving style or road conditions could also do it. Lower ambient temps could also be a factor in final tank averages. Pump and fill error could also be the culprit.
I recently had four highway runs of 400 miles each and all without much hypermiling and got in the 53-56 mpg range. I did the same runs back in May and got about 50-52 mpg while hypermiling. While I'm sure my driving has improved in a new car since May I also chalk the improved numbers up to higher temps and better road conditions. Even though I was not "hypermiling" like I usually do I would expect I am also programmed to hypermile even when I think I'm not.
Hang in there...the good news is you are pulling close to 50% over EPA in your car!
|