MPG into headwind with temps below 10 degrees

[DesPeresMark]

Just an interesting observation.

Drove back-and-forth to Chicago this week. On the way up, it was about 6° when I left from St. Louis to Chicago and the wind was coming more or less from about my 9 to 11 o’clock as best I could tell. According to my trip odometer, 23.6 miles per gallon. On the way back, it was in the 40s with no wind. Gauge said 29.8 mpg. I have a bit of a leadfoot, and generally set my cruise about 77 which is what I would’ve done both ways.

I drove from St. Louis to Denver this summer with my dirtbike in the back, and averaged right at 31.6 mpg, but it was a warmer, calm and generally set my cruise right at 70.

I read in an article from the department of energy that temperatures below 20 and into a headwind can cost you about 20% mpg all other factors being equal. That’s about where my numbers came in at.

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[710-oil-614]

Definitely seeing a dip in the winter time MPG, but I am letting my vehicle idle to warm up quite a bit more.

 

[Clarkdonbran]

I’m over winter and it doesn’t even get that cold where I live. Supposed to be mid 60s this weekend!

 

[AutobahnSHO]

When I was driving my 2015 Civic longer distances, got 41mpg at 65mph, and 37mpg at 75mph.

 

[Ranchero]

"below 20 and into a headwind can cost you about 20% mpg"

Yes, except if you're in an electric car. Then it costs you 100% mpg.

 

[The Real Maverick]

"below 20 and into a headwind can cost you about 20% mpg"

Yes, except if you're in an electric car. Then it costs you 100% mpg.

Or zero mpg?

 

[The Real Maverick]

I'm all the way down to 44.4 MPG with these dang temperatures in the 40's.

But ya, cold air is more dense as well, making it more difficult to push out of the way.

Slow your speed 10 miles per hour and I'm gonna bet you can match summer's MPG.

 

[Packer Bill]

I would consider 40's mild weather. This past Saturday morning it was -24 F without the wind in my city!

 

[Justin says...]

I'm getting 27mpg on the winter blend gas but I also have the optional 17" wheels with the chunky tires and its around 30 degrees here. I expect 30 once we get off winter blend. I do use 93 octane.

 

[Montana]

Pretty much my drive home vs. my drive into town.

Into town is mostly downgrade, enough to make a difference, and with the wind behind me.
Coming back is mostly upgrade into the wind passing between the mountains. It kills the MPG no matter how much I "granny" it. The sweet spot is still about 60mph both ways though. Posted speed is 70 but most people do anywhere between 60-65... with the idiots doing 70+ no matter what the conditions are. Anyways...

MPG for me with 245's because of my terrain, is about 24 average. 25-26 in summer. On the way into town, it's 1-2 mpg more and on the way back it's 1-2 mpg less.

My AWD Escape Hybrid was the same way. 34-38 average but at highway speeds it got significantly worse MPG - closer to around 21-23 if I was to maintain 70 the whole way. Summer was 38, winter was 34ish.

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