Is it possible she did something to my car? What could mechanically be happening to cause my 2022 Highlander V6 to go from 20 mpg to 14.5 mpg overnight? It’s just weird.
I don’t know about you, but I drive faster when I’m stressed, and -5 mpg sounds about right if you’ve been speeding or driving more aggressively. I doubt she did anything that would cause a drop in fuel economy without making the car run noticeably rougher.
@hawley
Makes sense. I’ve probably been driving harder without even realizing it.
Zayne said:
@hawley
Makes sense. I’ve probably been driving harder without even realizing it.
I’m the same way. Even just listening to rock music makes my fuel economy tank like that.
@hawley
I was going to say… yep, she probably did something—made you angry.
Chan said:
@hawley
I was going to say… yep, she probably did something—made you angry.
Yeah, no kidding. Ugh.
@hawley
My Corolla Hybrid originally estimated 600 miles per tank when brand new, but now it only shows 400 after adjusting to my driving style. Not sure if the dealership could have packed more fuel in than normal, but it’s strange how the range dropped like that.
It’s likely that the stress from your situation is impacting your driving style, making you more aggressive without realizing it. I wish you the best during this tough time.
A few things could be causing it, but most of them would trigger a check engine light or another warning. Simple explanations include switching fuel blends (maybe winter gas?), changes in driving habits, increased idle time, or shorter trips.
@John
Even if it’s a different fuel blend, I doubt it would cause that big of a change unless it’s a huge shift in octane.
Vick said:
@John
Even if it’s a different fuel blend, I doubt it would cause that big of a change unless it’s a huge shift in octane.
Switching from summer to winter gas has made a noticeable difference for me in the past.
@John
I live in Colorado and haven’t noticed a difference with fuel changes.
@John
I did sit idling in a parking lot for an hour recently. My mpg reading has been stuck at 14.6 even after multiple fill-ups, though.
Could be the weather changing. It’s normal for mpg to drop as temperatures get cooler.
Sunny said:
Could be the weather changing. It’s normal for mpg to drop as temperatures get cooler.
Maybe they switched to the winter fuel blend? Seems a little early though.
Sunny said:
Could be the weather changing. It’s normal for mpg to drop as temperatures get cooler.
Maybe they switched to the winter fuel blend? Seems a little early though.
Some places start using up the last of their summer fuel, so it’s possible.
@Oran
I wasn’t aware they switch between summer and winter fuel blends. Interesting.
The stress and winter weather might both be causing the lower mpg. As long as your car isn’t leaking coolant or fuel, it’s probably your driving habits.
Did you check your tire pressure?
Sable said:
Did you check your tire pressure?
Yep, tire pressure is good.