Holy cow guys. Last week we had a nice warm spell just below freezing. I was averaging around 50mpg. Then just after Christmas we got hit with some real cold at -30C. The car felt like I had a stuck brake caliper, or a flat tire. The air even seems harder to push out of the way on the highway. It was that much of a difference. This last tank was around 41mpg.
I haven't been able to track down any mechanical issues and just have to assume it's a frozen block of transmission and stiff lube in my wheel bearings. I suppose it's been a while since I've seen such a big swing in temperature. Maybe I need to get a stick on heater for my transmission too! I'll double check tire pressures as they are most likely down from such a change too.
As drivers who get the maximum from their vehicles, I think we are more in touch with changes in how our vehicles perform. I wouldn't have noticed it so much if I wasn't eoc'ing as much as I do.