Overfilled tank = less MPG

[KLH]

I suppose that this is obvious, but I've confirmed that overfilling the fuel tank will cause a drop in MPG.

 

I usually achieve 43+ MPG on trips less than 15 miles. After DTE was 14 mi, I decided to try overfilling (going beyond 2 clicks). First click was at 10.5 gallons. When I stopped, I had 12.5.

 

On the two subsequent 8 mi trips, I achieved 38 and 37 MPG. Stating the obvious, dragging more weight impacts MPG.

 

I assume that this is balanced when the fuel tank is near empty because I typically get fantastic MPG then.

Edited October 27, 2013 by KLH

[TX NRG]

A gallon of gas weighs around 6 US pounds so overfilling by 2 gallons adds 12-13 pounds which should have a minimal effect on MPG, all else being equal (same gas blend, air temp, tire pressure, wind speed, route taken, engine & battery temps, traffic, etc.). A 10 degree decrease in air temp will decrease MPG more than adding 10 pounds in weight.

[KLH]

There IS a cold snap happening in the northeast now. Maybe I mixed up my factors...

[GrySql]

Maybe I mixed up my factors...

I am guilty of that every now and then as well...

Some people claim I'm having 'senior moments'. :idea:

[KLH]

I've now (over)filled my tank twice and have experienced better gas mileage... In short, colder weather was/is a bigger factor in the determination of gas mileage than the (additional) weight of the tank.

[B25Nut]

It's just a rumor, but I've heard that Hybridbear and his wife are on a crash diet to improve their MPG even more.

[GrySql]

Now that you mention the avoirdupois angle, I think you may have found my mpg problem - my personal over-filled tank. ;)

[acdii]

Hmmm so if what you two are saying, I should leave the wife to get to work her own way?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somehow I dont think that will go over well, but thats just me.

[KLH]

It didn't work out so well for me this morning either.

 

Take a look at my new bed!

 

[GrySql]

Hmmm so if what you two are saying, I should leave the wife

Must be some misunderstanding, I was only referring to myself.

I could stand to lose the equivalent of a donut spare tire - pun intended.

[GrySql]

It didn't work out so well for me this morning either.

Take a look at my new bed!

That's too much information.....

:sandman:

[acdii]

:rating:

[hybridbear]

It's just a rumor, but I've heard that Hybridbear and his wife are on a crash diet to improve their MPG even more.

Hahaha! Maybe the 40 lbs I've lost in the last year are part of our improved MPG. Now I only have a few more to go and I'll be back down to what I weighed when I was in High School.

[acdii]

uh huh, now we know how you are getting so good mPG, You are out there pushing the car as part of your fitness routine! Been out to see Coach, eh? :)