Hello All

I've got a 07 plate 1.2 70hp Fabia II. Up until about 6 months ago I was getting something like 375 miles to a tank, but it now seems to have fallen to c. 325. This is odd as the commute has been pretty similar during this period. The only thing I can point to is that the two original front tyres were replaced with a pair of Avons, which I'm not convinced have ever properly been balanced as I am getting some vibration above 60 mph. Would that account for the increase in fuel consumption? Or is there something else at play?

Note that I don't really use the aircon.

BTW total mileage is c.30k.

Cheers

BB

Hi bluebeard,

If your front tyres are out of balance and you cruise in that area where they vibrate, it can have a small effect on economy. They need to be out by a significant amount to have a major effect though. More likely is the fact you are running on WINTER PETROL, yes this does exist and we all have to buy it, it has extra 'sniffer agents' in it to aid starting and smooth running during the cold weather, and coupled with the lower temps we encounter and the extra use of electricals, heaters and so on this is likely having the effect you describe. You may also want to try some fuel system injector cleaner too. This can work wonders, since modern fuel, especially supermarket stuff dirties your injectors and valves. Injector cleaner does work.

Estate man is correct with regard to winter gasoline. EN-228 describes 6 grades if i remember representing different climatic conditions. As winter gasoline is a lighter fraction therefore promoting volatility to get that all important combustion when starting in cold temps, you may well see a reduction in winter fuel consumption. Couple that with again the point made by Estate man with regard to the additional electrical load driven (excuse the pun) by the time of year.

Additionally, oil companies are mandated to include a minimum amount of bio fuel in both diesel and gasoline and whilst typically this has been met by the use of FAME in diesel fuel we may be seeing an increased use of Ethanol. The issue with Ethanol is that its power density is some 30% less than that of crude oil derived gasoline and as such will lead to worse economy figures.

My current drive is a Vectra and whilst consumption has remained fairly steady i have seen about a 2 mpg drop since the summer, however, that is only a 5% drop but you seem to have lost more than this, so it could well be down to tyres. Where there any econonmy claims made for the them either good or bad?

Jerry

Thanks for the responses, guys.

No, AFAIK the tyres are not special eco-models.

I guess proof in the pudding will be if fuel economy improves again as we come out of winter.

I might also take a look at fuel injector cleaner - don't have the foggiest about it but suspect there's lots on this forum which can provide some pointers (although if anyone wants to repeat their advice be my guest! )

Ta

BB