003 subaru forester 2.5x / automatic
If I get in my car and drive it (let it run for 30-45 seconds until the fluids are circulating) I get 17-18mpg.
However... if I start my car and let it really warm up for 7-8 minutes. Enough to let the engine reach operating temperature and the piston slap to go away, I'll get 22-23mpg.
And I'm not reading off of any display. I'm calculating this with the trip meter and how many gallons it took to fill up my car.
I'm not opposed to getting into a cozy car on a cold day.. But I'm wondering now, what would cause me to get such a difference in fuel economy just by warming up the car first. To be honest I figured the warm up would cut my fuel economy since the car is sitting there sucking gas but going no where. Makes me wonder if there could be some sort of underlying issue?
If I get in my car and drive it (let it run for 30-45 seconds until the fluids are circulating) I get 17-18mpg.
However... if I start my car and let it really warm up for 7-8 minutes. Enough to let the engine reach operating temperature and the piston slap to go away, I'll get 22-23mpg.
And I'm not reading off of any display. I'm calculating this with the trip meter and how many gallons it took to fill up my car.
I'm not opposed to getting into a cozy car on a cold day.. But I'm wondering now, what would cause me to get such a difference in fuel economy just by warming up the car first. To be honest I figured the warm up would cut my fuel economy since the car is sitting there sucking gas but going no where. Makes me wonder if there could be some sort of underlying issue?