Lower Mileage In Winter Options

[adityapd]

Hi,

I have a 2000 Avalon XLS and off late i have experienced a drop in the mileage of the car with the onset of the winter season (last 1 week). I always use premium fuel and the used to get 24-25 (Indicated on trip computer display) easily in city driving conditions, however, I am getting barely getting 20-21 now even without switching on the heater. I continue to refill from the same gas station.

Since this is my first experience in winter here, I'm not sure if any of you guys are experiencing similar issues to mine. Any inputs / advices would be of immense help

~A

[Tom in Tacoma]

Many areas of the country that experience colder temperatures use oxygenated gasolines to reduce tailpipe emissions. That's the bad news...

...the good news is that come springtime you'll see better mileage as the fuel gets switched back to the summer blend.

[Golden Highlande...]

It's common where ever it gets cold to experience a drop in mpg. I've got an '04 Highlander which usually gets 18-21 around the local area (Northern NH-moderate mountains) during the summer, but after it freezes it'll drop to 14-16, especially when it get (and stays) below zero Farenheit. BTW, using your heater won't affect your mpg, but using your defroster or A/C will because they activate the compressor which dehumidifies the interior.