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Winter fuel
My regularly serviced 2005 1600cc Ford Focus automatic has never given a high mileage per gallon - usually about 28-31mpg for short and medium journeys although better on a long journey. Lately this has become 18mpg for shortish journeys. My 2000cc Cavalier auto never gave such low mileages. Can anything be done to make things better? A mechanic friend thinks that there are no adjustments that can be made on modern engines with petrol injection but surely there must be a cause for this high consumption. Any helpful advice you can give will be very welcome.
Asked on 29 May 2010 by GM, Southampton
Answered by
Honest John
It might be that your journey cycle has changed slightly, with more short runs from cold starts in cold weather. This winter has been colder for longer than previous winters. But try filling with Shell V-Power, taking the car for a 50 mile run, holding it in 3rd from time to time to get the revs up to 4,500, or so for brief periods. That might clean out the fuel system and get you better mpg. Best to stick to Shell V-Power afterwards. My FIAT 500 is currently giving 52.5mpg on it.
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Real MPG enables you to register the fuel economy you are actually getting against your make and model of car, its engine and type of transmission.
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