Fill-up's causing difference in mpg's?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 42
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From: California
Fill-up's causing difference in mpg's?
Just been noticing over the last month or so the mpg's float from mid 15's to low 18's based on the particular gas station that I go to. (still fill-up with regular)
I basically drive the same route and my mpg's have a swing of +/- 3! It's noticable at the pump and in my wallet.
Does anyone else shop for lower fuel prices (California @ +/- 2.40) and then notice a drop in performance/mpg's based on the fill-up???
Could be more water content in fuel at the station? advise?
I basically drive the same route and my mpg's have a swing of +/- 3! It's noticable at the pump and in my wallet.
Does anyone else shop for lower fuel prices (California @ +/- 2.40) and then notice a drop in performance/mpg's based on the fill-up???
Could be more water content in fuel at the station? advise?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
More likely, it is the position of your vehicle and the sensitivity of the pump shut-off. At some stations you may able to put more gas in, therefore less gas milage, or some where it shuts off early, less gas, higher milage. If you can, try to go to the smae station, same pump.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 441
Likes: 6
From: Madison, WI
I have experienced this in Northern Wisconsin this time of year. We usually start getting the winter blend (10%) Ethanol around this time of year. And you can definately tell the difference between the two fuels. I normally try to go to the smaller mom and pop stations now becuase they usually don;t sell as much gas, and therefore have regular blend in thier tanks longer. I usually ad a can of Isopropryl (spelling) to my tank to prevent any freezups, but I guess the fuel companies don't want thier equipment freezing up either! Also, in order for gas to freeze, there must be water present. If there is a lot of water present you will notice a difference in gas mileage. My best suggestion is to find the station that has the gas more suitable to you liking and stick with it. Good luck,
MK
MK
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 559
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From: CT
One other thing is that the different stations could have pumps out of calibration. ie give you 28 gallons and charge you for 30 gallons. I am convinced that a Mobil station in my town has a 'fast pump'. I always filled up there since I work for ExxonMobil. One day the low fuel light came on approx 10 miles for the station. I drove straight there and filled up, took 35. gallons. Another time I was forced to stretch the tank to 25 miles after the light and did not want to chance making it the the Mobil, filled at an Exxon station and took about 33 gallons.
I did not work for ExxonMobil before the merger, but I am in a Heritage Mobil plant. I would believe based on my experience that Mobil Corp would allow a pump to short you as much a legally allowed by the government. However, Exxon would not want to take a chance on shorting a consumer (bad publicity) and would give you exactly what you paid for or slightly more.
I did not work for ExxonMobil before the merger, but I am in a Heritage Mobil plant. I would believe based on my experience that Mobil Corp would allow a pump to short you as much a legally allowed by the government. However, Exxon would not want to take a chance on shorting a consumer (bad publicity) and would give you exactly what you paid for or slightly more.
It depends what time you fill ? when the fuel truck drops his load it stirs up every thing in that H20 setiment. so try to fill up at night hope this helps
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: san diego
try staying at one station to see what happens. i dont go to arco because it seems my gas goes faster there. i only go to exxon mobile and its pretty consistant. and i go in the morning cause the heat might make the gas expand though im sure its not much.
