GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: smartypants on 16 October 2009, 09:41
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I've recently noticed a significant drop in my fuel economy - I drive the same route to work nearly every day, and this morning I did my "frugal" run, where I can usually eek out 36-38mpg. However I really struggled to get it to 33mpg, despite a very light foot.
Recently changes to the car have been:
New tyres all round.
New cambelt
New waterpump
Could any of these factors have an adverse affect, or can I attribute this to a drop in air temperature, although that usually means better economy doesn't it?
Its not alarming, but its a significant drop for me to notice - which is annoying. Why do they put mpg displays on cars these days? I was better off being ignorant to the fact!!
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Colder weather? :undecided:
I know it does affect diesels so not 100% sure the effect on petrols
Colder weather normally helps produce more power as the air is denser (Hope thats right). More power = worse fuel economy
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I would be well happy with that Economy!! I get 20 around London on the Mway 32 , so I think your doing alright!! :undecided:
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I have found that I get less mpg in the winter vs summer even on long distances.
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Colder weather? :undecided:
I know it does affect diesels so not 100% sure the effect on petrols
Colder weather normally helps produce more power as the air is denser (Hope thats right). More power = worse fuel economy
True! Definitely cold affects diesels, and you could be right about the power/economy - I am not sure in that department... lots of factors affecting it, just put it out there for suggestions :)
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I would be well happy with that Economy!! I get 20 around London on the Mway 32 , so I think your doing alright!! :undecided:
:D
As I said I'm not alarmed, just a bit annoyed - and its been very consistent and predictable depending on my driving style until recently. Yes I should be happy with that return on such a car :)
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I have found that I get less mpg in the winter vs summer even on long distances.
Cheers, thats what I've put it down to... will keep an eye.
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Colder temperatures mean denser fuel, which helps filling up, so I'm led to believe.
Dunno about the actual use of fuel in colder temperatures though... :embarassed:
I would be well happy with that Economy!! I get 20 around London on the Mway 32 , so I think your doing alright!! :undecided:
Me too! :undecided:
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Car always runs richer on start up in colder weather and takes longer to get to optimum operating temps.
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I've recently noticed a significant drop in my fuel economy - I drive the same route to work nearly every day,
Ditto, mine has been like it since the drop in temps....
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Checked tyre pressures? Just that you mentioned new boots all round.
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I have noticed that the Gti uses more fuel at exactly the same moterway speeds when it is colder.
I think this is simply due to the car having to push through denser air (do more 'work') and this needs more power which in turn requires the burning of more fuel. :nerd:
I can't see that the engine makes any difference on this - yes an engine can produce more BHP (and so burn more fuel) when running the throttle wide open in cold air but this is unlikely to be the way you drive your commute! :shocked:
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Could be right Chris.... its probably just me being over sensitive to the fact that I now have constant read outs to my MPG stats!
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Colder fuel is more dense than warm fuel. Petrol stations tanks are underground and kept at stable temperatures by the earth surronding them at depth. If the surface is cold fuel shrinks as it goes in the tank. less fuel and same amount used by the engine = worse fuel economy. Also goes quicker when it's cold. :evil:
I reckon anyway :)
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gotta love going for a blast when the cold dense fog is at sea level :evil: :evil: :evil:
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Right I think I've worked out the problem!!! Just looked under the bonnet for the first time since the cambelt change at the beginning of the month and found this:
(http://i35.tinypic.com/ei5vcy.jpg)
(http://i34.tinypic.com/1znwl6g.jpg)
(http://i36.tinypic.com/3znm8.jpg)
I've put it all back in place, doesnt seem too damaged, apart from a screw missing as indicated in the 3rd image. I've not tried the car yet to see if that is definitely the problem, but I am pretty certain it will be! As I said the drop in fuel economy was significant for me to think something was wrong.
I am obviously going to contact Ridgeway Reading (which I will name and shame) who I can blame for this. Is there likely to have been any other adverse affect on the engine whilst it was in this state?
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That is appalling.
I suggest you go and speak with the service manager and also the dealer principle, plus email the pics/details to VW UK.
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That is appalling.
I suggest you go and speak with the service manager and also the dealer principle, plus email the pics/details to VW UK.
Cheers I think I will, I certainly dont want to leave it like that.
My car is currently with Ridgeway Newbury for an MOT - have asked them to look at it to see what damage there is to the unit and screws needed, but not to do the work so I can contact Reading to sort it out.
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Driven home after my MOT (another £250 robbed off me for a CV boot and headlight adjustment), and since putting the hose back in place, fuel economy is back to "normal" - thankfully!
Now to to write that complaint letter.............
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Wonder what else they bodged?
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That is my worry, yes.
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Driven home after my MOT (another £250 robbed off me for a CV boot and headlight adjustment), and since putting the hose back in place, fuel economy is back to "normal" - thankfully!
Now to to write that complaint letter.............
How old is your car for the CV boot to need replacing? :huh: And charge you £250 in the process too!! Looks like you'll be writing TWO complaint letters!!
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Car is 4 years old, 65k miles - I think thats about average in fairness. The actual charge for the CV boot was £179, MOT in total to adjust the headlights aswell + MOT cost was £250 all in.
Thing is with the MOT, I need to get it done to pass - I can't be bothered to sort out a retest after trying another independant - they have you over a barrell really
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Car is 4 years old, 65k miles - I think thats about average in fairness. The actual charge for the CV boot was £179, MOT in total to adjust the headlights aswell + MOT cost was £250 all in.
Thing is with the MOT, I need to get it done to pass - I can't be bothered to sort out a retest after trying another independant - they have you over a barrell really
Albeit a Mk4, mine's done over 106K and I've not had to change mine :undecided:
I'd find a decent independent for your next MOT :smiley:
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Blimey thats good - I had it replaced on my previoius BMW about the same time - but that could have been another scam :(
Honestly I'd love to find a decent indy, had one for my beamer - they were invaluable, but havent had the time to research around :(
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Blimey thats good - I had it replaced on my previoius BMW about the same time - but that could have been another scam :(
Honestly I'd love to find a decent indy, had one for my beamer - they were invaluable, but havent had the time to research around :(
obviously VW don't build them like they used to :lipsrsealed: :tongue: :wink:
I'm in the same situation really so I've started doing (along with my the help of a few good mates) as much work myself on the car :smiley:
Why don'y use use the indy beemer garage for the Golf or won't they touch other marques :undecided:
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I think I will give them a try - I am sure they will, only had the car 6 months and I thought I'd at least give the main dealers a whirl as I'd had 5 years fantastic service through BMW, using the Indy only as a backup for minor things that were not cost effective to use the dealer, and didnt really worry not having a dealer stamp.
I've learned my lesson though!
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That was an appalling set up...just think of all the crap that hasn't been filtered and dragged into the engine whilst the air box was off like that. Little wonder the MAF would be going mad trying to keep up..plus it would be the air from completely inside the engine bay and not from the ducting at the front grille...
I'd be asking for some sort of recompense but I doubt you'll get very far TBH. Its a good reason to ensure that you check the car over before leaving the dealerships.