Unsure problem

[Katscan]

I have an interesting problem, either I am imagining things or there is something wrong with my engine. Have any of you taken a hit on your gas milage during the winter? I have been noticing that my mpg is significantly less all of a sudden. Usually by the time I have a quarter tank left I have driven roughly 250 miles......the past 2 fillups I have been at 215-220 and Im wondering if I might have a problem. The other factor that has been making me suspicious is that today was the second time I got into my car and smelled gasoline. The other time was a few days ago and both times it was very cold outside(not sure if thats a factor or not) Though my car was not isolated each instance so Im not sure if it is my car or someone elses but the lower mpg Ive been getting is making me suspicious.I need some input from you all, am I going crazy or should I be concerned? I plan on taking my car in to the dealer tomorrow to have them check it out, just in case.

[millster]

There are a lot of factors that will cause your mileage to drop in the winter. Cold engine oil, more idle time to warm up, different fuel blends (oxygenated or ethanol blended fuels). I know my Cobalt took a hit when the cold weather arrived and the Vibe always used to as well. What I just found out with my Cobalt though is that a lot of my problem was the brand of fuel I was using. Since switching stations at my last fill up I've been doing a LOT better. 2 MPG improved.Yours does sound like a rather drastic drop but not entirely out of line. Still, if you're in warranty and don't mind going by the dealer to check it out it's not going to hurt.

[joatmon]

I usually take a MPG hit in the winter. As millster said, different fuel blends for the winter can have an effect. Another one to look for is tire pressure. Pressure is proportional to temperature, so even if there are no leaks, tire pressure will drop when it gets cold, and I bet it gets cold up there. Low tire pressure costs mpgs (and accelerated tire wear)other kinds of things can have an effect, anything that draws power hurts mpgs to some extent. Shorter days meansmore headlight use. letting the car warm up before taking off costs fuel. Running the defroster is an extra load you might not otherwise have (unless you run the AC a lot in the summer) Did you thow some sand or cat litter (extra weight) in the back to have for emergency winter traction? Do you swap to perhaps a less efficient snow tire for the winter?Still, on a 13.2 gallon tank, 1/4 left means ten gallons gone. Your mileage before of 250 wasn't all that great to begin with , dropping lower than that is quite unfortunate. And smelling gas is unsettling. Try to park away from other possible gas leakers and if you don't smell gas anymore, blame the past on somebody else's car, but if you can isolate it to your car, then get it in to be fixed

[ragingfish]

As has been said repeatedly, noticeable fuel efficiency drops in winter is not uncommon.However, if you can't attribute a gasoline smell to anything other then your car, you NEED to get that looked at.Don't mess with possible fuel leaks...

[northvibe]

yea my mpg dropped, but i had 2 steelies with tires on them in the back, some computers in the back seat and i still have my CAI installed. but i think in the winter you drop a little mpg just because its colder.

[Digger]

I take a similar hit if it is cold out and I make a few short trips.

[redlava]

Mine usually falls from 32mpg in the spring/summer to about 26mpg in the winter. My driving habits don't really change much, so I am not sure what the cause is either. Might be my CAI possibly, but doubtful.

[Vibr8tr]

I thought (and I could be wrong, this is more of a questions), the CAI made you take a hit on your MPG in colder weather. Doesn't make sence, but that is what I heard.