Yet more complaining about winter

[whokilledthejams]

I just had my worst tank since last June.

I mostly did in-town driving, in the snow. I don't even turn on the car while I scrape snow and ice!

However, snow leads to way too much wheelspin, which is racking up miles and burning fuel. I think that's my biggest problem, and living in one of the snowier regions of New York really isn't helping. To add insult to injury, the secondary roads I EOC on during my commute are extremely low-traffic, so tend to remain iced over (leading me to avoid them).

I'm not looking for advice, just venting. Winter gas, cold weather, and snow have cost me 5mpg (overall)! My 90-day average is going to drop off a cliff soon, as my really good tanks from late august/early september stop being figured in.

Oh well, at least I know I can still beat the combined EPA fuel consumption numbers by several mpg in sub-optimal conditions.

[Johnny Mullet]

I know exactly what you mean. The roads here in the Great Lakes region are mostly snow covered and rough. My block heater made a major improvement, but I cannot touch my summertime MPG numbers anymore.

[bluesfan]

Yep, winter sucks. I have a block heater, but no timer yet, so I usually plug it in before I hit the sack. Likely using more electricity than I should, but at least the scangauge says the coolant temp is around 100° F when I start the bluesmobile in the morning.

LRR specs are hard to find as we all know. On my mechanic's recommendation, I picked up a set of Toyo Open Country G-02 Plus winter tires. I found aluminum rims at a local wrecking yard -- made for a mid-90s Crown Vic / Grand Marquis, but perfect fit for my truck.

I installed an upper grill block as well -- plexiglass attached with four zip ties. Hopefully there will be aero and thermal benefits.

The nut behind the wheel still need fine tuning...

[whokilledthejams]

It would probably behoove me to get a block heater. I could probably even get away with plugging it in at work, too.

My grille's about 85% blocked at this point, and I think that does help a little.

Oh well-- it just snowed a whole bunch more today.

/continues grumbling away from the intertubes

[KJSatz]

Just drove across Missouri in light rain/snow around freezing...saw I hit. I think I still squeezed 40mpg, but it's questionable.

[Johnny Mullet]

My boss seen my car plugged in out back and asked if I converted my Metro to all electric

I explained the block heater and he does not mind me plugging in at work. I am now going to make a short extension cord I can carry in the car and another cheap timer.

[Sean T.]

Hrm... I know what you mean... I got brand new tires (with full tread), have been driving with more attention to the road than FE, and have done a ton of start-stop in the driveway when dad decides to plow the snow away. :-\

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted by Sean T.

Hrm... I know what you mean... I got brand new tires (with full tread), have been driving with more attention to the road than FE, and have done a ton of start-stop in the driveway when dad decides to plow the snow away. :-\

Was your Dad using your car to plow snow?
We went up north to do some icefishing this weekend and did alot of driving in 4wd and 4th gear on icy roads and then 30 km in 3rd gear with snow up to the axles... Still ended up with about 10L/100km for the tank which isn't too bad.
Ian

[wagonman76]

I spin a lot going to work and back but surprisingly it doesnt amount to hardly anything on my overall distance, which is about 25.6 miles one way.

Ive gotta move mine a few times when plowing the driveway too.