Hi all,

I had a small fender bender where my rear passenger side wheel was knocked slightly out of alignment. There was no frame damage and the body shop could barely see any damage except the torsion beam plate that was slightly bent.

So I replaced the torsion beam completely. Unfortunately my gas mileage never recovered. Before the accident I was getting around 36.3 MPG. After fixing the damage I am still only getting 34.2. I haven't changed my driving habits.

Could there be any damage that I have not found?

The accident was basically a 10-15 clip on my rear passenger side tire.

Thanks

 

Did you get an alignment afterwards to ensure everything was tracking correctly?

 

Yes, they did a full alignment after the torsion beam was replaced. Everything was straight.

 

How many tanks of gas have you use to calculate your latest mileage?

 

2 since the repair job. First tank was at 34.3 second tank was at 34.2

 

I would not worry about a 2 mpg difference. Depends how it was calculated etc. Maybe after 5 or 6 tanks will be more accurate. Then I would calculate on the total of the tanks and not do individual calculations.

I am meaning doing hand calculations not just looking at gauge.

 

Did you replace the tires?

 

No the car was repaired 2 or 3 weeks after the accident with minimal driving. The tread still looks very balanced.

To the post above this one, I am a stickler for my gas mileage and I do not soley use the gauge for my records. After every fill up I would do the math of miles over gallons and would consistently be over 36 mpg. Right after the accident I was down to 33 mpg, after the repair I was at 34.2.

I just hope there isn't some damage or callibration that is out of alignment due to the accident that I don't know how to check on.

Thanks

 

2 mpg loss isnt significant. colder temps mean lower mpgs too plus winter blend. too many factors to consider aside from the accident. i think ull be fine.