Fuel consumption increases during winter?

sophiecentaur

Problem with simulations is that they just demonstrate someones idea and don't actually 'prove' anything. They are only as good as the model they use - and that's hidden.
It was pointed out to me in a recent thread, that even the mpg indication on my dashboard is not actually measured (the fuel isn't actually metered, for instance) - it's just inferred from some of the parameters of the engine and its conditions.

parislad

True but if the tool has been validated against experimental data and is trusted then it is useful; I don't know if Advisor has been put through a rigourous validation process though.

sophiecentaur

I just read this again. It makes a mockery of your mpg calculated figures - you need to add all that fuel into the cost of your journey - or just lie back and accept that you're paying through the nose for comfort and convenience.

I run a diesel engine on my boat and, in the UK, we get a tax free allowance for 40% of the diesel fuel we buy because it's assumed it is used for 'other than propulsion' (heating and charging batteries). In a cold climate, you could ask for a similar consideration for road fuel????.
I use solid fuel for heating on my boat - but I only use a couple of tanks full per year so it's hardly an item, though.