Cold weather and changes in your smart

[yuckmoon]

I've noticed a couple of small changes in my smart since the weather got c-c-c-c-cold The first thing I noticed is that the rattling noise I heard is present when I first start my car up. Once it warms up the rattling goes away.

The other thing I noticed is that my millage has gone down a bit. Not by much. My smart's millage still blows the millage of my last car away, but it has gone down a bit.

Note that these are not complaints, just observations. Has anyone else noticed little changes in the cold?

[jetfuel]

longer time to get to operating temp = more fuel
rattle due to shrunken metal = bigger gaps
my 1c

jetfuel

[Andrewlcox]

My smart was getting 40 mpg every fill up. Then I installed the cruise control and I was getting 42 mpg. Now the weather here in Illinois is cold and my car is getting 37 mpg. That sucks... I was always so proud to get 40+ mpg. I wonder if I take it to the dealer if they can fix anything that is causing the drop in mpg?

Andy

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Andrewlcox

I wonder if I take it to the dealer if they can fix anything that is causing the drop in mpg?

Since the drop in mpgs is likely weather related, I hope not, LOL.
i.e., I hope smart doesn't have control over the weather.

Truthfully, the change you noted is within the margin of error.

[2smartArizona]

Out here in Arizona we use oxygenated fuel in the winter months...that will make your mileage go down out here.....do they do that there?

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by yuckmoon

The other thing I noticed is that my millage has gone down a bit. Not by much. My smart's millage still blows the millage of my last car away, but it has gone down a bit.

Gas stations have switched to their winter blend fuel and you'll see your mileage decrease ~10% from what I've read. My average MPG has dropped from 44-45 to 41-42, so that's about right. And, you'll notice a 10% (or thereabouts) change more on a high mileage car than you will on a lower mileage car.

My .02 and YMMV.

[Dunerunner]

Lower temp here have caused the TPMS monitor to light up. Gas mileage has decreased a little, temperature is still in the 40's and 50's.

[mvaldes]

My mileage has dropped from 45-47 to 37-40. No TPMS sensor problems because I didn't put any in my winter wheels. Checking pressure with a gauge, I've had to add air more frequently as the temperature drops. I'm sure once the temp more or less stabilizes, so will the cold pressures. I'm impressed with the heated seats and with how quickly the car heats up. I"m also impressed with what a PITA it is to get the air to evenly warm the whole cabin. I'm still searching for the perfect dial setting. It probably doesn't exist, but if anyone has found a compromise that works, please post it.

[mdfortwoguy]

My TPMS has suddenly turned hypersensitive. My front tires both lost about 2 PSI according to my gauge, and the back stayed the same, and it lit up yesterday. It lit up again today after being reset, and the readings were definitely the same.

I have a rattle from my hatch that comes and goes, and the harmonic rattle at idle from the passenger floorboard is back.

All minor niggles... I'm probably going to pick up some 3M squeak tape and go on a recon mission, and I'd like to hope that the TPMS calms down a bit.

Mine definitely has a grouchier rumble in the morning/when cold from the intake. It just serves as more of a reminder to go easy on the accelerator until it warms up - my VUE (with a midified intake) whistles and growls on cold mornings even at low RPM, so I am used to it.

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

I'm probably going to pick up some 3M squeak tape and go on a recon mission,

..if you can't fix it ...duct it....

jetfuel