What is MPG In Cars & Trucks?

 

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How is Fuel Mileage Determined In Cars & Trucks?

Trying to figure out how fuel mileage is determined in cars and trucks?

While the luxury, speed, and horsepower of any vehicle are very important to most buyers, the car’s miles per gallon are vital for its lifetime. While the fuel mileage statistics are provided by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, there is a list of parts to determine the gas mileage and they vary. Leading off with the vehicle’s weight and how much power it has. Just because the vehicle is on the heavier side, the engine technology could lower the amount of gasoline being used. EPA ratings usually are better in small cars because of their total weight and aerodynamic appearance. In general, these small cars do not take as much fuel to keep them running smoothly. Something else to consider is the maintenance of the car as well, doing stuff like making sure the tires have the optimal air pressure. All in all, gas mileage is critical for all vehicles and it takes many of the components working together to build a highly efficient car.

Gas Mileage Explained

The fuel economy is the best way to figure out the distance any vehicle could go with a full tank of fuel. ​The size of the car, drivetrain (AWD or RWD), and engine horsepower all play an enormous part in calculating the MPGs of a vehicle. The numbers favor smaller cars with hybrid models and a low curb weight that barely tips the scales. While gas mileage can decrease during the life of a car, updated maintenance and frequent drives are the easiest ways to keep your MPGs high.

Miles Per Gallon Highway vs City

When looking at MPGs, there are 2 numbers that define the gas mileage, city and highway miles per gallon. Rear world conditions are much different compared to the testing conditions and the results reflect that. Noting the two separate gas mileage ratings displays how your driving habits can affect a vehicle’s fuel economy. Your driving habits will affect the miles per gallon, ​so noting the two different gas mileage ratings provides a more accurate description of your vehicle. Considering all the starting and stopping of city driving compared to the constant movement of driving on the highway, it’s clear that driving on the highway will probably net a higher amount of MPGs.

Do Drive Modes Affect Gas Efficiency

Many cars that have been made for the past several years have equipped customizable drive modes to fit the driver’s driving style and save gas when desired. A performance driving mode will prioritize a performance-based experience while “Eco” (or Economy) mode prioritizes gas mileage. Between driving modes and cylinder deactivation, new vehicles offer better MPGs than ever before.