2006 Sonata GL MPG
04-29-2006, 09:33 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
I think I know why my mileage took such a step change from 27 to 31 in
the last two tankfuls. I was thinking it must just be the warmer
weather and the car getting broken in more, but I no longer think that
is the case.
A friend at work was telling me that his Civic HX (I think I got that
right) gets 46 MPG during the summer, but only 40-42 during the winter.
He said it changes when they switch the gasoline from summer blend to
winter blend. I hadn't even thought about that, but I'm betting that is
what also affected my Sonata.
Have others who live in northern climes that use different fuel for
winter vs. summer seen this same behavior? My minivans don't seem to be
affected as dramatically, nor my pickup. That would certainly explain
the rapid change. I was trying to figure out how a slow warm-up in the
spring could have such a rapid change on the mileage. It didn't make
any sense, but changing fuel blend does make sense.
Matt
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
I think I know why my mileage took such a step change from 27 to 31 in
the last two tankfuls. I was thinking it must just be the warmer
weather and the car getting broken in more, but I no longer think that
is the case.
A friend at work was telling me that his Civic HX (I think I got that
right) gets 46 MPG during the summer, but only 40-42 during the winter.
He said it changes when they switch the gasoline from summer blend to
winter blend. I hadn't even thought about that, but I'm betting that is
what also affected my Sonata.
Have others who live in northern climes that use different fuel for
winter vs. summer seen this same behavior? My minivans don't seem to be
affected as dramatically, nor my pickup. That would certainly explain
the rapid change. I was trying to figure out how a slow warm-up in the
spring could have such a rapid change on the mileage. It didn't make
any sense, but changing fuel blend does make sense.
Matt
05-07-2006, 09:53 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
05-07-2006, 09:53 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
05-07-2006, 09:53 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
>
> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>
> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
summer is over!
Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
still have a couple left.
Matt
05-08-2006, 01:07 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
05-08-2006, 01:07 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
05-08-2006, 01:07 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change
>> to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean
>> that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
so...assuming the computer is accurate.
Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
though. :-)
Barry
05-08-2006, 06:06 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Barry Scott wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
05-08-2006, 06:06 AM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Barry Scott wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
05-08-2006, 06:06 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Barry Scott wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got
>>> exactly 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the
>>> change to synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car
>>> (it now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy
>>> camper if the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That
>>> should mean that the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on
>>> a long trip.
>>
>>
>> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so
>> things are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG
>> before the summer is over!
>>
>> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light
>> came on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I
>> should still have a couple left.
>
>
> I haven't run mine dry, but I've wondered the same. The most I've ever
> put in is 15.6 gallons as well and it's usually closer to 15. I've got
> the GLS with the trip computer and the light usually comes on with
> somewhere between 45-60 miles to go on the Range. Based on the 27.5 MPG
> that I've been averaging, that's another 1.5 - 2 gallons or
> so...assuming the computer is accurate.
>
> Doing some rough math, that seems to be a little less than the 18 gal.
> capacity. I'd prefer not to find out the exact amount the hard way,
> though. :-)
In the past, I've run some vehicles dry on purpose (with a can of gas
along) and one by accident. The latter my current Chevy truck which
I've twice confirmed holds about two gallons less than the amount stated
in the manual. The first time it ran dry, I was literally able to coast
into a gas station ... talk about dumb luck. I was only able to put in
something like 24 gallons, and I believe the book capacity is 26 (I
haven't checked in a while so this is purely memory). In any event, it
took two gallons less than specified. So, I carried gas along next
time, which was easy as I had a 50 gallon tank and pump I used to refuel
my airplane and ran it dry on purpose. Same result, it took two full
gallons less than advertised. This is good information to know in a
pinch. Also, the truck has a very nonlinear fuel gage. It takes about
90 miles to get the needle down to the full mark after a fill-up. The
needle goes about a quarter tank above the full mark when full. It then
takes about 180 miles to get to the half-tank mark. And then about 130
more and you are out. Once below the quarter tank mark, the gauge drops
like a rock.
Matt
05-08-2006, 07:21 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
>
>
> Matt
Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
longivity.
05-08-2006, 07:21 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
>
>
> Matt
Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
longivity.
05-08-2006, 07:21 AM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>> Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>> warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>> 31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>> synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>
>> With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>> now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>> the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>> the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>
> My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
> are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
> summer is over!
>
> Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
> advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
> on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
> still have a couple left.
>
>
> Matt
Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
longivity.
05-08-2006, 05:22 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Bob wrote:
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
>
>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>>warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>>>31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>>>synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>>With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>>>now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>>>the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>>>the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>>
>>My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
>>are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
>>summer is over!
>>
>>Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>>advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
>>on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
>>still have a couple left.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
> with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
> the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
> is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
> once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
> longivity.
I've heard both sides of this and am pretty sure this is another urban
legend. A fuel pump designer in another ng (I believe the Chrysler
group) said that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel going THROUGH it,
not sloshing around. If the fuel pump is still pumping fuel, then there
is no danger of overheating it. And once the tank runs dry, most folks
turn off the key before the fuel pump runs long enough to damage the
pump. Personally, I don't know for sure, but I've run my cars nearly to
empty for 20 years and have had only one fuel pump failure and that was
after 150,000 miles, which is considered to be decent life for an in
tank fuel pump.
Matt
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
>
>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>>warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>>>31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>>>synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>>With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>>>now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>>>the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>>>the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>>
>>My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
>>are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
>>summer is over!
>>
>>Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>>advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
>>on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
>>still have a couple left.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
> with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
> the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
> is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
> once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
> longivity.
I've heard both sides of this and am pretty sure this is another urban
legend. A fuel pump designer in another ng (I believe the Chrysler
group) said that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel going THROUGH it,
not sloshing around. If the fuel pump is still pumping fuel, then there
is no danger of overheating it. And once the tank runs dry, most folks
turn off the key before the fuel pump runs long enough to damage the
pump. Personally, I don't know for sure, but I've run my cars nearly to
empty for 20 years and have had only one fuel pump failure and that was
after 150,000 miles, which is considered to be decent life for an in
tank fuel pump.
Matt
05-08-2006, 05:22 PM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2006 Sonata GL MPG
Bob wrote:
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
>
>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>>warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>>>31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>>>synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>>With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>>>now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>>>the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>>>the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>>
>>My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
>>are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
>>summer is over!
>>
>>Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>>advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
>>on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
>>still have a couple left.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
> with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
> the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
> is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
> once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
> longivity.
I've heard both sides of this and am pretty sure this is another urban
legend. A fuel pump designer in another ng (I believe the Chrysler
group) said that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel going THROUGH it,
not sloshing around. If the fuel pump is still pumping fuel, then there
is no danger of overheating it. And once the tank runs dry, most folks
turn off the key before the fuel pump runs long enough to damage the
pump. Personally, I don't know for sure, but I've run my cars nearly to
empty for 20 years and have had only one fuel pump failure and that was
after 150,000 miles, which is considered to be decent life for an in
tank fuel pump.
Matt
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> news:Mwx7g.8566$lb.780660@news1.epix.net...
>
>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>
>>>Things are definitely looking up in the mileage department with the
>>>warmer weather. I just got my second tankful of 31+ MPG. I got exactly
>>>31 today and my last tank was 31.02. It looks like the change to
>>>synthetic oil cost me 0.02 MPG. :-) I couldn't resist....
>>>
>>>With these last two tanks, my mileage average since buying the car (it
>>>now has 5500 miles) has crept above 28 MPG. I'll be a happy camper if
>>>the average stays above 30 for my daily commute. That should mean that
>>>the EPA 34 highway rating is actually achievable on a long trip.
>>
>>My last tankful achieved 31.6 (nearly 500 miles on one tank!) so things
>>are still improving slowly. Hey, this car may bet 34 MPG before the
>>summer is over!
>>
>>Anyone run theirs dry yet to see if the tank capacity is really as
>>advertised? I haven't run more than about 15 miles after the light came
>>on, but have yet to put in more than 15.6 gallons, which means I should
>>still have a couple left.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> Running an electric fuel pump dry is really hard on it. Even sitting still
> with not alot of gas in the tank is a bad thing to do. They are cooled by
> the gasoline. While the car is in motion, whatever gas is left in the tank
> is sloshed over the pump and helps cool it. While running the car out of gas
> once is not likely to kill the pump, it really doesn't help with it's
> longivity.
I've heard both sides of this and am pretty sure this is another urban
legend. A fuel pump designer in another ng (I believe the Chrysler
group) said that the fuel pump is cooled by the fuel going THROUGH it,
not sloshing around. If the fuel pump is still pumping fuel, then there
is no danger of overheating it. And once the tank runs dry, most folks
turn off the key before the fuel pump runs long enough to damage the
pump. Personally, I don't know for sure, but I've run my cars nearly to
empty for 20 years and have had only one fuel pump failure and that was
after 150,000 miles, which is considered to be decent life for an in
tank fuel pump.
Matt