I'm wondering what everyone else thinks on this subject.
I have a 2005 Tacoma. I've had it for the last few months and I love the vehicle.
Anyways, when I got the vehicle I was averaging 18 to 19 mpg (city). Recently, I'm not getting over 16 mpg; sometimes as bad as 15 mpg.
I had a slow leak in one on my tires I was unaware of until it went flat (yes, I know I should check my tire pressure regularly). Well, I fixed the tire and it is now holding steady with the pressure... originally, I thought the flat tire was the culprit for the loss in mpg BUT things have not gotten any better in the last few tanks of gas.
I'm now thinking the problem lies with the air filter. When I bought the truck it had 15k. The air filter was stock so trying to keep up with maintenance I decided to replace the air filter with a Fram one. In the last few years, I have begun to reliaze that not all aftermarket parts are the equvalient to the manufactorers parts. Is it possible the Fram air filter is causing my mileage loss? I went to purchase a Toyota air filter from the local dealership but they had to order it. So... I'm still running the Fram filter. When I get the Toyota filter I need a few weeks (and tanks) to test it properly. I'm hoping I will see the same efficiency as when I bought the vehicle.
Anyways, I plan on letting you all know the results but I'm wondering what you all think and/or if any of you have seen this before.
What's the average temp. in Maine these days compared to when you first got tht truck? It wouldn't be unusual to have a 15 to 25% drop in mpg during the winter vs. summer driving. Especially if you do a lot of short trips.
In fact, a co-worker suggested the "school bus commute" factor; this was an interesting statement but the drop was really sudden. In any case, my filter change happened in September (bought the truck in July). Although Maine has seen a temp. difference since then we are still above freezing (during the day) and we are barely incrementing degree days at this point.
The puzzle here is that even long trips are suffering. I used to see 20mpgs on the highway (extended trips) now I'm seeing 18mpg. Besides, in July and August I was running AC. At this pont, I can comfortable drive to work without the heat running--I run the AC now only to disapate the humidity on the inside on the windshield which is usually only for a few minutes.
It may very well be an enviromental change (temp, traffic, etc) but I'm still going to switch the filter back to the Toyota brand and see what happens... if it does infact increase back to an average of 18mpg then it would seem it is more efficient to pay an extra few bucks up front for the toyota brand air filter then it is to pay in gas.
If this is the case, then it would seem the Fram filter is better for the motor
as far as filtration goes.... however, I'm looking for a good balance between mpg, filtration, and performance. I'm not interested in a K&N filter (not putting them down in anyway) since they tend to allow more air flow into the motor which in turn allows more dirt into the motor.
All in all, I'm VERY satisfied with my Tacoma... I came from a Saturn SC2 that had 60k and burned ALOT of oil. It was noisy, chinsey, and was unreliable (had a moisture problem). Hell, even my wife loves my truck!
If this is the case, then it would seem the Fram filter is better for the motor
as far as filtration goes.... however, I'm looking for a good balance between mpg, filtration, and performance. I'm not interested in a K&N filter (not putting them down in anyway) since they tend to allow more air flow into the motor which in turn allows more dirt into the motor.
Just because a air filter flows better than another doesnt mean its filtering efficiency is any less. Theres alot that can attribute why a filter would flow better than another, such as material used, folds and any differences in the actual square area for the air to flow through, and how the air actually enters/exits the filter. Depending on the sizes of comparison of course, a cone filter can have a much larger area than a flat filter.
Personally Id stick with OEM over any other brands, except if a K&N or similar kit is used. I've gone with a AEM filter with the K&N intake, and will be installing a sock as well once I get it (to help trap/prevent the larger particles from clogging up the AEM filter).
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Roger
05 Tacoma 4x4 TRD DC Off-Road
Shrockworks Front Bumper, K&N Intake/AEM Filter, XM Satellite, Retrax Tonneau Cover and Yakima track rack system, OEM roof rack
I live in Minnesootaa, and I too have noticed a decrease in fuel mileage that started around the end of september. I'm quite sure it is because of the lower temps as well as the fuel companys switching to winter blend fuel(which is actually a state law up here in the frozen north). My actual decrease averages about 15%
I live in Minnesootaa, and I too have noticed a decrease in fuel mileage that started around the end of september. I'm quite sure it is because of the lower temps as well as the fuel companys switching to winter blend fuel(which is actually a state law up here in the frozen north). My actual decrease averages about 15%
Yep, we have that here in WV also and it makes a big difference in MPG. Not much choice but to live with it. Mike
The Toyota Air filter is way better than the Fram filters...any day. The Toyota filter only cost me $16 at the stealership...and they are made by Denso. They are synthetic fiber media filters.
Your MPG loss could also be "Winter Gas" formulation.
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05 Tacoma Pre-Runner, Dbl Cab, Long Bed, Sport Pkg
I agree what has already been said for the possible loss in mpg, (temp, change in fuel, etc). It also could be a oxygen (O2) sensor that is not working properly. Generally, when O2 sensors go, the computer tends to run the engine rich.
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2006 TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab, Silver, auto
No, no performace parts have been added to the truck. The truck is stock. As far as MAF sensor or O2 sensor, no codes are being triggered. My Saturn had a bad O2 sensor and it was very noticable in the way the motor idled and ran. The MAF could be dirty I suppose, the truck is driven 98% on paved roads.... not to say it couldn't get dirty on paved roads.
As far as winter blend of gas... I never even considered that. It may be that after all.
The filter came in today, I'm going to swap it out tomorrow when the rain stops. If I see an increase in the next few tanks I'll let you all know.
One thing I find interesting about the Tacoma is the gas efficency seems to stay fairly constant regardless how you drive the truck. This was not the case with my Saturn....
Snakeii, I do realize more things factor into how efficent an air filter is. I was just giving a general statement that high air flow filters tend to allow more dirt into the motor; the two tend to be proportional. I don't have the link now but I came across a site that tested a whole slew of air filters based on different things (air flow, filtration, saturation etc) If I find the site again I'll post a link... it was an interetsing read.
Going on my 3rd winter. I usually lose 2 mpg in dead of winter. Fact of life with every truck I've owned. Havent lost much yet though... not cold enough and still running stock tires. 15-16 smpg sounds bad. Thats what I'll get in mid winter, driving in snow, 4wd, and running Blizzak sneakers. I dont want to blame the K&N but if you were getting 2-3 better before than that before.... I've stayed with OEM filter every 12K or so.
I've always noticed a drop in mileage during the winter, regardless if its up here in woodchuck territory or down in New Mexico.
As for filters... a number of years ago this group of guys tore apart a number of oil filters and compared their performance and the actual materials. Most of the name brands were crap, Toyota OEM filters were up there at the top. Unfortunately a few particular companies didnt like the bad publicity on their products so they threatened the guys website. Looks like he finally took the information down completely. I believe I have the info saved someplace, I'll post it up if I find it...
Anyhow, if you really want to compare air filters you need the proper equipment to test the air flow, along with the ability to actually see how small of particles the filter catches. I agree, if a filter doesnt catch the dust and other particles that are blown around all the time, then its no good. It would be interesting to know how small particles have to be before they are no longer a threat to seals, rings, etc. But, I just dont see the logic in believing a filter that actually drops the gas mileage, and/or drops the hp/torque filters any better than a OEM filter. Thats just a assumption that you have forming. I believe if a filter hurts performance, or mileage, that filter just flat out sucks and the best place for it is in the trash. With your logic, a filter that is so dirty the gas mileage drops is actually better than a brand new filter. How about just taking a sheet of cardboard and force the engine to suck air through it? That way your gas mileage would really suck, but hey... at least you are trapping everything.
Other reasons to stick with OEM... how about filters that dont fit snugly as OEM? That too can allow dirt to bypass the filter. Toyota warranties their vehicles with the thoughts of use of their filters. If their filters stunk, then they would want to use aftermarket filters during vehicle maintenance. If its a question of price, you get what you pay for. If you want $5 air filters, go buy a big 3 truck, because everything is cheap with them, including their quality.
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Roger
05 Tacoma 4x4 TRD DC Off-Road
Shrockworks Front Bumper, K&N Intake/AEM Filter, XM Satellite, Retrax Tonneau Cover and Yakima track rack system, OEM roof rack
Snakeii, I set out to prove it was the filter. I wasn't just assuming or stating it was that. I just wanted other peoples opinons. I replaced the brand new Fram filter with a Toyota air filter (denso). The cost difference was neglible.
Anyways, I left for the holidays. Before leaving I replaced the air filter with an OEM one. I also did an oil change and used the Toyota OEM oil filter. I have gone threw 3 tanks of gas over the last week... my results: not a bit of a difference.
I'm averaging 18mpg on the highway still, and about 16mpg in town. The truck is driving as it always has. The performance is still there. I'm thinking it is the winter blend of gas that is causing it. I guess I'll see for sure once spring rolls back around.
My next fill up I'm going to run some fuel injector cleaner but I can't imgaine that will do much but at 20k it can't hurt either.
Loss in MPG
Linear Mode
