I have two questions, which couldn't be more opposite. First, there is a rubbing noise that is coming from the steering column area inside the car. I would say its plastic rubbing on plastic, but I'm not really too sure. Has anyone experienced such a condition? Any way to remedy it?

My other problem is a gas issue. I am currently living in an area where there are more highways than traffic lights. Needless to say much less stop and go driving than in a city. One might expect 20-23 mpg. However, I am getting around 15-17 mpg. No check engines light, or irregularities in the idle. While the car has felt slightly sluggish, I attribute alot of the problem to the cold weather. Is the reason I'm getting such poor gas mileage due to the cold (in the Northeast corridor) or is there some other problem?

Thanks for any help

Dave