FR suddenly using more fuel

[ben-ducky]

As we all know the reserve light comes on very early on the ibizas. normally when i put £20 diesel in the light comes on after around 170/180 miles (driving style permitting). But last 2-3 weeks or so Ive noticed my car seems to be using more fuel.
£20...reserve light coming on after around 120-130miles .
I know the price of diesel has gone up about 10p or so recently but i shouldnt be seeing a drop in mileage like this surely.
Any ideas lads?

 

[stebbi]

when was it last serviced?

 

[almighty.cookie]

Yeah understand wat ur saying but i just took it as normal lol

 

[Fl@pper]

if you fill up to the £ method then a 10p rise will affect your mileage by about 20 miles easily

add in weather/temperature/traffic/shorter trips/change in useage/different station to refill and many others you could add and you would easily see a drop in mileage

best way to check/compare miles to fuel is to fill by the amount in litres not cost as the 10p you noticed may be 18p+ as over the last weeks it's all been creeping up slowly

or do what us 16ver's do and stick in 45L of the best we can find and pray to Pedro

 

[NickyJam]

i too vouch for filling up every time (unless if funds are low)

don't forget that sometimes the fuel sensor takes a while to show your actual fuel level...it can be affected by driving style. i recently filled up, drove to Oxford from South London and the needle still hadn't moved (and i booted it a bit). When I started my car up again the needle now showed i had used 1/8 of fuel...

i've also had the reserve light appear then turn off once i started driving it sensibly again

 

[knight85]

could be the actual fuel...?

I have found that certain petrol station offer less miles to a full tank. I usually fill up every 8 days and get between 430-500 miles depending on how many longer trips i do...however i have filled up at a few petrol stations and driving exactly the same and only just managed to get 400 miles to a full tank...there may of been other factors to it, but i certainy saw a dramatic reeuction in mpg as wel...

 

[Veyron]

i too vouch for filling up every time (unless if funds are low)

Filling up everytime uses more though because the car is heavier, also the best time to fill up is when its cold as you get more for your money

 

[mymorph]

yes but you dont have to start/stop make extra journeys to the petrol station every other day. im not convinced 30 kg extra weight makes much difference. specially in a deisal.

i fill up everyt ime then refill when the light comes on. (wifes car)

in answer to the forum question:
check air filter, and fuel filter.
then maybe try some of the 'expensive' diesal shell offer etc.
damp, cold weather slower warm up all add to inefficiancy.

 

[ben-ducky]

Thanks lads... ye she is due a service. So will get that done anyway.
Ye i do fill up when i can but being in uni and that it isnt always possible