Yes, it is the oxygenated gas blend stations switch to in the colder months. It lowers mileage on all cars I do believe. Jeff Stewart ----- Original Message -----
> Jack - I'm dreading this myself in upstate NY. mileage will decrease
> with my Van due to snow tires in the back and lower air pressure all
> around. better traction with the same handling is more than convenient
> - and we DO pay for convenience - it's empowering to be able to drive
> circles around newer vehicles       =( :D)     mike
>  
> ________________________________
>  From: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 10:37 AM
> Subject: Gas consumption higher in winter?
>   
> I'm exploring this now. It seems that, without any change in driving
> habits, my van's mileage is poorer in winter than in summer. I'm
> talking
> northern hemisphere here, and by "winter" I mean "cold" and summer,
> well, not cold.
> I'll be checking this for the next couple months, comparing 10%
> ethanol
> gas v. straight gas.
> In the meantime, has anyone else noticed this? Is it common, with a
> simple explanation?
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.