And how does it affect the gas mileage? I drive a 2000 chevy blazer and according to my calculations this last tank of gas only gave me 13.5 mpg... that is horrendous! Is it because of the fuel additives? I live in maine, btw. I have had this vehicle for 3 years and the mileage has NEVER been this bad. Is it the additives or could they be rigging the pumps?
(no, I don't need a tuneup or new fuel filter)
2007-03-15 02:30:22 · 8 answers · asked by Amangela 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Some places add isopropyl alcohol, others add ethanol. Neither should have that adverse of an effect on your mileage, however, my mileage declines sharply just from the weather being colder, and not letting my car warm up before driving.
2007-03-15 02:34:27 · answer #1 · answered by startthisover 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the brand of course, but usually the only thing that would be added in winter would be like the 'heet' that keeps water vapors from freezing in the lines (essentially alcohol) which shouldn't affect your mileage.
That being said, it could be that it has been so cold that the engine never gets into the correct operating temperature range and the computer keeps it at default settings as a result. You might have to restrict air flow through the radiator to allow it to run a bit warmer. Or you could have a bad thermostat. Ask your mechanic.
2007-03-15 10:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also have a Chevy Blazer Lx, 2000 model that I have had foru 4.5 years. The only thing added to gasoline in the winter is a de-icer. This is used to evaporate any moisture in the gas so that the gas lines don't freeze over and burst. The addatives normally distributed by the gas companies have little effect in gas milage. At least not as much as your describing.
If you normally buy your gas at one particular station, I would suggest trying another one to see if there is any change. There is a possibility, as you mention, that they may be watering down their gas, which is not a good thing to do in cold climates, and not a good thing to do in general. Talk to someone you know and see where they get their gas and see if they get good gas milage, if so, get your gas there and see if there is a change. Then go back, get a tank full at the previous station and see if it drops again. If it drops, report them to the Better Business Bureau.
I do not have any gas milage problems with my Blazer, and its the same year as yours. Good Luck!
2007-03-15 09:44:25 · answer #3 · answered by krodgibami 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many things can cause bad gas mileage, tire inflation (underpressurized), the way the vehicle is driven, long periods of idling outside in the morning till the vehicle warms up. to my knowledge, nothing extra is added to fuel in wintertime. speaking of fuel additives, something i regularly add to a tank of gas is a bottle of Chevron Fuel System treatment, available at most auto parts stores. the bottle will tell you what it does...
2007-03-15 09:42:08 · answer #4 · answered by Ksyrium 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a de-icing ingredient to assist the gas line from freezing from any condensation that may be emitted from the motor. And yes, it can have some affect on mileage, but generally nominal.
2007-03-15 09:35:27 · answer #5 · answered by Ted 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would check for leaks at the fuel lines put on a new gas cap it may be worn.inflate the tires to right pressure and put in fuel injecter cleaner.And if its a 4x4 make sure its not locked it 4 wheel drive
2007-03-15 10:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by bearman48064 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
about 35 cents a gallon.
2007-03-15 09:34:15 · answer #7 · answered by whiteman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
magic pixie dust
2007-03-15 09:33:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋