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Old 03-06-2013, 01:48 AM   #19 (permalink)
redpoint5
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oregon
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Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

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90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - Dodge/Cummins - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)

Model Y - '24 Tesla Y LR AWD

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90 day: 85.85 mpg (US)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
(For our U.S. friends: 6 km = 4 mi.)

Short trips like this with lots of stops are not at all ideal for getting good fuel economy, even with neutral coasting where practical. The car never really warms up, and vehicles don't get their best economy until they're completely warmed up (entire drivetrain, not just engine coolant).
This is exactly the reason for the poor economy. There is likely nothing wrong with the vehicle. A 6 km drive in near-freezing weather will not warm the vehicle quickly enough. Not to mention the cold transmission fluid, bearing grease, and increased air density being nearly at sea level in cold air.

The solution would be grill blocks, block heaters, etc. Something to get the temp up faster without consuming more fuel. As others have mentioned, neutral coasting will help too.

My warmup times improved dramatically after installing a full grill block for my short 12 km commute. MPG went up quite nicely too.
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