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Is this the summer gas blend kicking in?

Discussion in 'Prius v Fuel Economy' started by 2sk21, Mar 15, 2012.

  1. 2sk21

    2sk21 Member

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    I just filled up the tank and observed my best ever tank MPG in my Prius v 3. See my Fuelly link below. I just got 46.8 MPG! (with 49.4 indicated on the trip computer)

    I have been driving pretty much the same way so this is probably the effect of either the warmer temperature (unbelievably warm for March in the NY City area like most of the country) or the annual change in gas formulation that happens about this time. Which explanation is more likely?
     
    #1 2sk21, Mar 15, 2012
  2. jhinsc

    jhinsc Senior Member

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    It's mostly from the warmer weather. I love this time of year and in the fall where both the heater and AC are needed, although on some days I have to use the AC already! It's supposed to be 81 here today - feels like summer is almost here but I'd rather have some spring weather!:rockon:
     
    #2 jhinsc, Mar 15, 2012
  3. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney EditProfOptInfoCustomUser Title

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    We got sunburn in Charleston in February. Your weather is just all wrong. I'm not surprised you like spring.
     
    #3 ItsNotAboutTheMoney, Mar 15, 2012
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    The warmer weather. People love to blame the gas but that can account for at most a few percent, equivalent to a couple of MPGs for us.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Mar 15, 2012
  5. Wanderer

    Wanderer Hybrid neophyte

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    I'm still on a tank that is definitely winter gas and am also going up. I'd say it's the warmer weather. I'm excited for the summer to come so I can see how well the car does. It feels like summer here today though very strange for March where we normally get dumped on with 2' of heavy snow. I'm NOT complaining though it is a pleasant change but I'm sure will make next year's winter feel longer.
    W
     
    #5 Wanderer, Mar 15, 2012
  6. 78bonanza

    78bonanza Junior Member

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    Yes....see my prior posts. 45 years in auto world and fuel business. It is less MTBE and methanol. Enjoy
     
    #6 78bonanza, Mar 23, 2012
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Most regions don't switch to summer blend until June officially but that may vary by region. The real difference is in temperature anyway.

    Colder air is more dense by up to 10% or more. Colder temperatures also increase rolling resistance of tires by double depending on the temp difference in summer and winter. Batteries are also less efficient. Heater use and other factors contribute to this big hit. This is why so many car enthusiasts who enjoy high mpg tanks love warm weather. :)
     
    #7 F8L, Mar 23, 2012
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