Fuel Economy & Cold Weather

[Guest blatters]

This week has seen some really cold temperatures up here in Scotland and they've stayed low for a week or so (-8c min).

 

The MPG return on my Galaxy TDi (115bhp) has dropped by some margin. I'm normally averaging 50mpg on a tank of fuel but this has dropped to around 43mpg.

 

All readings are from the on-board computer.

 

I know the booster heater has been working hard but does the on-board computer take account of the booster sipping my fuel too?

 

How's everyone else doing this week?

 

Regards.

 

Blatters

[Ivor_E_Tower]

According to the fuel computer, my mpg has dropped in this cold weather too, from around 39 to 36 on my normal commute.

[Masked Marauder]

Electricity has to come from somewhere and you get nothing for nothing. So, yes, the booster will be burning about a gallon of fuel for every 7 hours it runs at full blast, but you will also be using the alternator to generate more power for lights, fans wipers etc, and that uses more fuel too.

[Rallim]

TI know the booster heater has been working hard but does the on-board computer take account of the booster sipping my fuel too?

From what I understand from other posts, and it does seem to make sense, that the fuel computer does NOT take the aux heater into account, as the fuel supply to the heater is seperate to the engine fuel, thus the computer / ecu has does not see it and cant take account of it.

 

As a general rule I have found that all the cars I have owned drink more in the winter months.

 

Gordon.

[Guest blatters]

Thanks guys :D

 

No need for me to be unduly concerned then.

 

Best wishes and good weekend to you all.

 

Blatters