Wow, winter sucks: 71 mpg spring vs. 54 mpg winter in the Firefly/Metro, same trip

[NeilBlanchard]

Regular extension cords get quite unwieldy when cold. I'm told that the blue cords are meant for cold and stay more flexible?

[bestclimb]

Some cords (color does not really matter) are rated for colder weather. cords that are not rated are a hazard as the insulation cracks when handling. Also if you are in a cold climate the cords included on most block, oil pan, water heaters gets brittle and a piece of cold weather rated rated cord should be spliced in to where you handle it.

[Gasoline Fumes]

I hate to see salt on a Firefly/Metro/Swift!

[MetroMPG]

Me too, me too...

If it's any consolation, this is probably only the 5th or 6th winter the car has seen (of 17), and none were in its first 7 years.

And I always get underneath with a pressure washer as soon as the temps climb above freezing... and all the nooks and crannies have been rust treated multiple times. It should last...

[Gasoline Fumes]

Have you treated the insides of the front control arm mounts? I've been meaning to fill mine with oil and then drain it out.

[MetroMPG]

Yup. There's an 'access hole' part way up the forward vertical portion, and I've sprayed in there several times (and will do it more).

[arcosine]

My avg is down to 43 mpg in the is -15F degree weather.

[MetroMPG]

Using the car to break up ice on the (long-ish) driveway at my garage today is not helping the overall picture: 24.5 MPG (US) for a round trip where I'd normally see ~60.

[PressEnter[]]

Winterized diesel and long engine warm up times have dropped my average by close to 10 mpg. I've discovered that when it's below zero, my engine will never reach optimum temperature at all unless I turn the heater off.

[dmafanp]

Originally Posted by PressEnter[]

Winterized diesel and long engine warm up times have dropped my average by close to 10 mpg. I've discovered that when it's below zero, my engine will never reach optimum temperature at all unless I turn the heater off.

y do you let your engine warm up? i hear its good to start driving after a few secconds the car gets warmer faster when working, your tranny temp will remain cold untill you start driving so technically if you let your car warm up the parts stay colder longer then anticipated. is it different betweeen gas and diesel?