Increase in fuel consumption - what to look for?

when was it last properly serviced?

Are you comparing like for like (time of year, extra passengers etc)

Could the exhaust be on the way out? I used to find at least 10% better fuel economy after having a new exhaust fitted on our Polo.

Steve Evans (Steve Evans ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

Go round it and make sure all the wheels are free to rotate easily. If a brake's binding slightly (sticky handbrake cable? Muck build-up on a caliper?) you'll be wasting a LOT of fuel trying to turn it.

What age of Polo? Cat? No engine management lights?

my mpg goes down in cold weather.

Reading the other posts, I agree that getting the car serviced regularly will make a difference but do you really kknow what fuel consumption you are getting?

The only way you can compare is to calculate it properly. I use miles per gallon but miles per litre is good enough.

You need to fill the tank and reset the trip computer. Run through most of the tank and fill it up. Note the mileage and litres used.

Divide the litres into the mileage. ie 360 / 45 = 8 miles per litre. Multiply this by 4.54 to miles per gallon. 36.3 in this case.

The other thing to remember that it is not only temperature that makes a difference. Cheap fuel brands will normally return a lower miles per gallon. Do you always use the same petrol station?

Alan

The fact that the weather's gone bloody cold might have something to do with it :-)

Mike P