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Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis: Real World MPG

43 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2009 at 3:19 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan

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#2 of 43 Cold Weather by jeff94vic Dec 20, 2005 (5:55 am)
For those of you who live in cold climates, how much of a drop in MPG do you experience in winter? I was shocked the other day when I calculated a 5 MPG drop on my '94 CV since the weather has turned cold (i.e. below freezing).   Almost all of my driving is short city trips, so the drop might be explained by the engine simly not having enough time to heat up to allow optimum performance. Tire pressure was also a bit low, so that likely contributed a bit as well.   Just curious as to what effect the cold weather has your MPG. Replies to this message: iusecad (Dec 20, 2005 11:20 am) euphonium (Dec 20, 2005 11:35 pm) turbo301 (Dec 22, 2005 5:04 pm)
#3 of 43 Re: Cold Weather [jeff94vic] by iusecad Dec 20, 2005 (10:20 am)
Replying to: jeff94vic (Dec 20, 2005 6:55 am) mine goes from 20 in the summer to 17-18 in the winter...
#4 of 43 Re: Cold Weather [jeff94vic] by euphonium Dec 20, 2005 (10:35 pm)
Replying to: jeff94vic (Dec 20, 2005 6:55 am) Perhaps it is a combination of: 1. Engine not completely warmed up.   2. Cold air reduces air pressure in tires, causing more of a drag.   3. "Winter" gasoline containing up to 10% methenal or some other adverse chemical that prevents fuel lines from freezing.   4. Have you installed a roof top ski rack or luggage carrier?
#5 of 43 Re: Cold Weather [jeff94vic] by turbo301 Dec 22, 2005 (4:04 pm)
Replying to: jeff94vic (Dec 20, 2005 6:55 am) Indeed, I find that I'm losing about 5 mpg in the winter, too (from 26-28 down to 21-23 mpg). Note, too, that my tires are at 35 psi all around, I have no additional accessories, and my car has plenty of time to warm up (120 km per day). I always use Sunoco gas, which contains up to 10% ethanol year-round; 10% ethanol hurts fuel economy by about 2%, relative to regular fuel, but it is also an antifreeze, so I doubt that Sunoco adds much different to their gas in the winter. I do acknowledge, though, that most gasolines do feature special winter additives that hurt mileage.   I think that there are a few factors that explain poorer fuel economy in the winter. Longer warm-up times in the driveway, more power required from the engine to overcome cold tranny and differential fluids, and more wheel slippage all contribute to wasted gas. Add to this the extra drag of blowing snow (at least where I travel!), the extra weight on your car due to ice and slush, and you can see that winter is a recipe for poor economy. My car is noticeably lethargic when it is coated in ice after a big storm!
#6 of 43 air pressurer//tires by fscarano Jan 27, 2006 (11:52 am)
I have read posts where people are running 35 psi in tires. My question is why? does this improve fuel economy? and give a smoother ride? Wondering why 35 psi and not the recommended 32 psi.   thank you Replies to this message: shad (Jan 27, 2006 9:47 pm) turbo301 (Feb 07, 2006 3:56 pm) bruneau1 (May 18, 2006 10:58 am) euphonium (May 19, 2006 8:50 am) crs480329 (Jul 24, 2008 8:45 am) euphonium (Jul 24, 2008 6:48 pm)
#7 of 43 Re: air pressurer//tires [fscarano] by shad Jan 27, 2006 (9:47 pm)
Replying to: fscarano (Jan 27, 2006 11:52 am) Generally, the higher the air pressure in your tires, the smoother the ride. Also, the greater rigidity of the tires means less friction on the road, leading to increased fuel economy. P.S. If you are ever stuck in the dirt, one way to help yourself out is to deflate your tires (not all the way of course to about 15 psi) and you will get more traction. The softer the tire, the greater the grip. Replies to this message: turbo301 (Feb 07, 2006 3:56 pm)
#8 of 43 Re: air pressurer//tires [shad] by turbo301 Feb 07, 2006 (3:56 pm)
Replying to: shad (Jan 27, 2006 9:47 pm) Higher tire pressure doesn't necessarily equate to a smoother ride; SW Ontario's frost-heaved roads make higher pressure equate to a lot of bouncing and vibration .
#9 of 43 Re: air pressurer//tires [fscarano] by bruneau1 May 18, 2006 (10:58 am)
Replying to: fscarano (Jan 27, 2006 11:52 am) Higher pressures may give better mileage and maybe better handing under some conditions, but at a price: more noise, harsher ride, maybe more wear in the center of the tire. I have a 2001 with the handling pac and found even 32 often too stiff. I used 30 with more comfort. Just replaced the tires with Goodyear Comfort Tred. They have transformed the vehicle into a quieter and smoother riding one. Am using 32 lbs and will see how that goes. If noise and smooth ride are important, get these tires. Replies to this message: euphonium (May 19, 2006 8:50 am) crs480329 (Jul 24, 2008 8:45 am) euphonium (Jul 24, 2008 6:48 pm)
#10 of 43 Re: air pressurer//tires [bruneau1] by euphonium May 19, 2006 (8:50 am)
Replying to: bruneau1 (May 18, 2006 10:58 am) Agree with you on the results of higher air pressure.   The Handling Package enables better cornering and less pitching, but at a price of having more road feel and noise. So to install Comfort Treds would counter the advantages of the Handling Pac, but improve the ride.   I'll look into the Comfort Tred tire and thank you.

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