Sudden Poor Gas Mileage...

I have been getting 18.5 mpg and that is also low for me.

 

I'm afraid to!.....

 

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Not even sure we get "winter gas" here in Texas but mine has dropped a couple mpg in the last month (2 tanks). I did change out my K&N drop in to an oem style about the same time so i just chalked it up to that.

 

I agree that it is likely a combo of winter gas and lower tire pressure. When is the last time you replaced the spark plugs? Might be time for fresh plugs and a new air filter.

 

Might not hurt to go for a little drive and check all four brakes for excessive heat. Maybe something is dragging down your mileage. Be careful when checking rotors and drums, could be very hot.

 

15 mpgs road tripping in the winter is very typical in a Tacoma. Mileage will tank when you go over 65mph.

I get 20-21mpgs day to day but when I road trip 15-16.

 

Wow thanks for the support you guys. Here's my plan:

I'm going to drive till the fuel light comes on, put some Lucas Oil (sponsor me) fuel system cleaner in the tank, fill up, disconnect and reconnect my battery, rotate my tires and check pressure, and go from there. If not I'll look into doing a CAI as a means of "replacing my air filter", spark plugs, and explore other options. No CEL for me, just me worried about my truck! I'm optimistic, but i don't think that it's anything major!

 

Just in case you don't know, your truck came stock with a true cold air intake and the engine isn't capable of doing anything with more airflow - unless you install a high flow exhaust (or supercharger)

 

Well aware, I like the sound of an aftermarket intake and the way it looks under the hood. I know in terms of cost-benefit analysis it doesn't yield much/any power or efficiency but it's just something I want to do

 

15? Im lucky if I can get 13 anywhere in-town or highway. Am I doing something wrong?

 

I don't know what to tell you man. I usually get 20 on the regular, but I'm in a stock prerunner with 265/75 R16 Cooper ATP's. Where you drive, how you drive, and what you carry on your drive makes a difference. Take a look at checking tire pressure and oil condition, putting in an injector cleaner, and other stuff we've been discussing on this thread if you haven't already and you might be able to gain a few MPG's

 

So if I use straight gas (non winter mix / no ethanol ) during the winter , will my mpg go up ?

 

That would be the common thought process, minus aliens and world peace

 

You got alien gas ?

 

Only slightly, there’s a lot of other factors than just the different blended gas.

 

This happens every winter to my 05 (and other vehicles). Consider that in addition to the winter blend gas, you have diffs, transfer case, tranny and engine oil all consistency of thick syrup until it all warms up. Grease in u-joints, hubs etc. also. Lot of snow here so 4wd vs 2wd etc. If your outside temps are cold enough and trips are shorter maybe none of that ever warms up to true operating temps.

Once I start driving longer vs shorter distances (like driving up to the ski area regularly as opposed to just around town) mileage goes back towards normal summer levels, not completely because I'm in 4wd more often but close.

 

Winter Gas.
I’m in DFW, too. My MPGs dropped by about 2 once they switched to winter blend.

 

This guy gets it. I laugh everytime I hear oh it’s winter gas. People don’t realize it’s not the gas alone that’s causing poor gas mileage. But either way it’s the cold temps that are making your gas mileage plummet.

 

Truth, but OP was on a road trip. Not living in a cold area.