Just wondering if this is common with this car. The back of the car seems to get very dirty, there is a fine layer of soot. Is this because the car is running overly rich or is it normal for it to accumlate this much dust? The car is always garaged, at work and home...I've also seen my MPG drop over the past few tanks...any ideas?

 

Well, dirt and dust do accumulate very quickly on the rear bumper just because of the static buildup on the plastic. Dropping MPG could easily be attributed to different driving habilts. However, without a picture, I am just basing this on my prior experience, so if you are still worried, or if there really is a ton of soot/dust, go have your dealership check it out.

 

Good question, I would like to know the answer too also. I also have a Yellow (1week old 04 with 150 miles) and notice a lot of soot after just a few miles. Lets hope this is normal.

Opinions anyone?

 

Well, I wouldn't say there was a ton of dust, but enough where people can write things like "wash me" etc. I'll try to get a picture up here later today, till then anyone else have suggestions? Maybe reset ECU, whack MAP sensor, etc?

 

yes, the ECU runs rich from the factory. its a built in safety feature (rich is better then lean). if you shine up your tailpipes good, pretty soon they will be black again

 

mine is the same way. don't sweat it...

 

why is rich better than lean...isnt lean better for more power (i have no clue though)

 

Lean will burn holes through your pistons. Rich will foul your plugs and possibly create carbon build-up. Excessive richness can indirectly cause engine failure, but a lean mixture is the last thing you want, especially on a high compression and/or blown/turbo/sprayed engine. Basically, an engine with high cylinder pressures. Burning holes through pistons is a very bad thing, FYI.

 

The dust is not soot from the car running rich, it's from your tires. The OEM Bridgestone's have a high carbon black content. I even see some of the same "soot" near the front tires.

Hint: Mother's clay bar does a good job of removing the little black spots that won't come off just by hand washing. (If you have anything other than a black car, look closely after you wash your car, you'll see what I'm talking about.)

 

Ya, I couldn't decide if he meant soot or dust.

Is the "dust" on the entire rear of the car, or just around the exhaust tips?