Kansas City MINI Enthusiasts

Is it normal to get worse gas mileage in the colder months? I don't normally get awesome gas mileage, around 26-28, but the last few tanks or so I've gotten like 25. Currently I'm getting 24.something. I haven't changed the station where I get gas, always QT, and I've even bumped it up to premium since the prices have come down and the mileage started to suck. I have about 30,600 miles on the car and Baron did the 30,000 service some time in January along with an oil change. It's actually gotten worse since the service come to think of it.....

Any suggestions?

Yes, two reasons - everything is cold, oil and grease are stiffer, it takes more driving to warm them up so more friction. Plus, the engine is cold too, so it takes more gas to warm it up, PLUS they change the fuel in winter - bottom line worse mileage. If you can find non-ethanol gas, you'll see an uptick in your mileage and a little more power too.

Thanks Minidave! Would all of that explain a bit of an engine knock when I first start out too? It does go away after I've driven a bit.

You sure you're full of oil? Otherwise I would not worry about it - these are direct injected engines and especially on cold mornings they make some noise - goes away when they warm up.

Thanks again Dave!

I debate the ETOH vs ETOH free with a Subaru driving coworker. He prefers the 91 ETOH free. I prefer 93 octane, but with ETOH. The stations near me, the ETOH free is considerably more expensive, but a dedicated pump whereas I have to use the shared nozzle for my 93 (so how much 87 octane am I getting before the 93 starts flowing???).

Well, all I know is the last trip I took to Eureka Springs I filled up at an Amoco that had eth free premium in our Audi twin turbo, I got 2+ better mpg on the trip home and the car felt much more responsive - much more! I think there are a couple of local HyVee stores that sell eth free premium, one is opening near our house so I'll be able to get real world info soon.

As the old TV ads used to say - Your mileage may vary

One thing you must consider is elevation you are traveling over.Overall you will get better mileage going downhill,ie Denver to KC. 5000' elevation to approx. 1000'. Same thing for KC down to the Ozarks. It does make a difference

Laurie wrote:Is it normal to get worse gas mileage in the colder months?

Yes. My MINI mileage always drops in the winter.

So, with the last two warmer days the MPG is up to 25.1. Woo hoo!

I have noticed that in warmer months I can make it past 400 miles per tank but in the winter so far with my Clubman I have been getting 350 to 385. Better than my old Cooper S either way.