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2007 Lexus IS250 - Gas Mileage Log

Mileage Log and Tire Replacement Insights

Introduction to the Mileage Log

I started this mileage log after replacing the front tires on my IS, tracking the mileage between gas fill-ups and uncovering some interesting insights along the way.

Tire Replacement

I spent $400 for a pair of new front tires, which normally require 225/45 W-rated tires. However, Costco only had the higher Y-rated tires in stock. Not wanting to risk driving on the highway with a spare, I opted for the Y tires.

While it cost me a bit more due to needing to swap out the TPMS sensors, I find that Costco offers the best deals for those as well. It was disappointing to replace the tires earlier than expected, as I had just done the brakes on all four wheels. Unfortunately, a nail was lodged in the worst spot, near the edge and sidewall, so a cheap plug wasn’t an option.

Improvements Noted

Since the new tires, I’ve noticed a slight improvement in traction and steering. The new tires definitely improve grip, and so far, I’ve recorded an 8% boost in gas mileage, increasing from 24 to 26 mpg. I plan to confirm this after several more fill-ups, though it could be due to less traffic or the nitrogen air Costco uses. Regardless, any improvement is appreciated, equating to one less fill-up per year, saving about $75 annually based on my previous driving habits.

Update on Mileage

  • 7/31/20: 27 mpg

    • Achieved 27 mpg on my most recent fill-up. This is impressive, considering I was getting 23-24 mpg before the new tires. It's about on par with what a 2007 IS250 should get with mostly highway miles.

  • 8/21/20: 27 mpg

    • Consistency noted as I clocked in just under 27 mpg for my next fill-up, which is interesting since it coincides with my reduced weekly driving during COVID-19.

  • 9/11/20: 26 mpg

    • A slight drop to 26 mpg after three weeks of driving. Monitoring to determine any causes.

  • 9/29/20: 26 mpg & Boyle's Law

    • Filled up earlier and adjusted tire pressures after noticing both rear tires were inflated too high. This ties into Boyle's Law, which explains how tire pressure can change with temperature.

  • 10/1/20: Boyle's Law Observed

    • Confirmed front tire pressures were low after cooling down; will top off before heavy driving.

Continued Monitoring

  • 11/24/20: 26 mpg

    • Mileage remains steady; I missed recording a previous fill-up, and I suspect the benefit of new tires on mileage may wane over time.

  • 12/31/20: 26 mpg

    • Recent oil change didn't yield noticeable improvements in gas consumption.

  • 1/17/21: 27 mpg

    • Noted an improvement to 27 mpg, possibly due to the oil change and properly inflated tires.

  • 2/5/21: 26 mpg

  • 2/23/21: 26 mpg

    • Steadily holding at around 26 mpg with consistent fill-up intervals.

  • 3/11/21: 27.4 mpg

    • Impressive results after a long-distance trip, suggesting that driving patterns influence mileage.

  • 4/19/21: 24 mpg

    • Noted a drop in gas mileage, possibly due to increased traffic.

  • 5/6/21: 25.5 mpg

    • Slight improvement, but still below expectations.

  • 5/24/21: 25 mpg

    • Ongoing struggles with mileage; discovered an obstruction in the cabin air filter, improving A/C efficiency.

  • 6/11/21: 24.5 mpg

    • Dropped in mileage after running near empty before refilling.

Repair and Maintenance Impact

  • 7/31/21: 26 mpg

    • After major repairs, mileage returned to 26 mpg, indicating previous issues affected efficiency.

  • 8/10/21: 24.5 mpg

    • Noted a significant drop due to heavy traffic conditions.

  • 8/25/21: 25.8 mpg

    • A slight improvement from the previous fill-up, but still below my hopes for 26 mpg.

Conclusion

Tracking my mileage and the impact of new tires and maintenance has been insightful. It has helped me understand how different factors, from tire condition to driving habits, can affect fuel efficiency. Moving forward, I will continue monitoring these variables to maximize my car's performance.



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