New owner: some random questions

[tuscan_thunder]

Hi,

Got a 2005 GTi last week and have some quick (I hope!) queries: I've done a search but not really got definitive answers.

Fuel consumption: what seems to be about normal?  Due to having no Shell or Tesco 99 nearby, I'm using BP Ultimate (with a dash of Millers additive to take it to 99RON) and can't get any better than 27mpg even driving very carefully, dropping to about 19 when 'making progress'.  (I'm not particularly heavy on fuel usually).

If this seems like poor consumption, what are the likely causes/cures?

I intend to change the air filter as I suspect it'll be needed.  Is this straightforward to do?  Is a standard one sufficient?

Spark plugs, would be worth cleaning them I suppose?


Are lambda sensors on the GTi prone to failing/affecting fuelling? 


Air-con: how cold is the air you get when it's on and set to 'lo'?  Mine was allegedly re-gassed before I got it but I suspect it wasn't.  The air is cold but not icy.  Re-gas required?  What should this cost? 


Tyres: are Dunlop SP9000s as poor as I think they are?  They are on the front but there are Pilot Sport 2s on the rear.  Was going to swap them round.


Brake pads: what type are the standard pads?  I have Ferodo of some description but not sure what compound. 

Thanks in advance

[FamilyDub]

Consumption
It's a not a diesel, enjoy it. Anything 27+ mpg is a bonus.

Air-Con
Mine's sh1t and needs re-gassed, but I live in Scotland where 'summer' is like one day a year when the temperature is above 5c. If it ain't broke.... Re-gas about £70?

Tyres
Loads of threads on this... Michelin, Conti & Vredestein all excellent.

Brake Pads
Pagid, I thought were OEM?

[tuscan_thunder]

Cool: 27 when nursing it just seemed a bit strong to me.  I can live with it having a drink when I'm cracking on, just less so when I'm mooching along.

Air con: I'm north west of Aberdeen: today it's 18c.  I'm nae used to heat which is why I want air con that works!


One additional question: the wash wipe automatic wipe function: why does it do 4 wipes then another after a pause?  It drives me nuts! (I let it do it's 4 then immediately wipe it again to minimise the wiper drag)  Is there a way to change this so it only wipes, say, twice? 

[ub7rm]

I would agree that your fuel economy seems pretty poor - are we talking town traffic here?  (guess not from your petrol station issues).

[luvmygti]

27mpg on steady driving is poor IMO.

I have been able to get mine up to 42mpg (altough i was aiming to drive as economical as poss to see what i could get) but under normal driving i genrally see 32-34mpg ish 

[FamilyDub]

The auto wash/wipe is the single biggest gripe I have with the GTI - seriously.

I like the auto function, but I dislike the fact there isn't a 'true' intermittent setting that does not alter... So either it's barely raining and your wipers are going mental, or it's pi$$ing with rain and nothing happens...

I have been able to get mine up to 42mpg

^^^ I have too - once. It was boring as fcuk! 

[luvmygti]

^^^^^^
Tis true! it was not the most exciting thing i've ever done  

[tuscan_thunder]

I would agree that your fuel economy seems pretty poor - are we talking town traffic here?  (guess not from your petrol station issues).

no, that's a mooching along, changing up reasonably early drive, some B-road, about 3minutes through town, wee bit of dual carriageway.  

When I saw Evo magazine averaged 30.something with their long termer, thought I should be getting better - can't imagine they were exactly light in the right foot.

edit: that's with air-con switched off most of the time.  (my car has 17s if that affects MPG?)


If I was getting 30-32mpg I'd be happy.  Not a huge increase I know.  

[ub7rm]

If it gives you some idea I do a 20 minute journey, 10 minutes in town traffic (after a cold start) then 10 mins on a dual carriageway,  engine has barely warmed up and make 25 - 27 mpg.  Once the car is warmed up something around 30 would be normal and if you're carefull easily mid to high 30's.  I too have managed 42 but thats being a bit boring. (steady 40mph for quite a distance). 

I'd get it checked out ...

[FamilyDub]

Call me childish, but life's too short to be sitting in a GTI in the inside lane trying to eek out the incremental mpg, IMO... others will no doubt disagree.  

I saw Evo magazine averaged 30.

If it's Stuart Gallaghers white MKV, his commute is 25+ miles of rural A & B roads.    Is your use comparible?

I've been following his column for 18 months, from 'Performance Car', before it was absorbed into 'EVO'.