What is Gas Mileage In Cars?

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How is EPA Miles Per Gallon Calculated?

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While the luxury, speed, and overall horsepower of any vehicle are incredibly important to nearly all prospective buyers, gas mileage is key for its lifetime. While the miles per gallon are given by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, there are a few contributing factors to determine the official gas mileage. Starting with the weight of the vehicle and the capability of the engine. Just because a vehicle is heavy, the technology of the engine could lower how much fuel is being used in certain situations. EPA ratings usually are more efficient for smaller vehicles because of their weight in total and aerodynamics. These small cars do not need as much fuel to keep them running smoothly. Another consideration is vehicle maintenance, making sure the tires have the correct pressure to lighten the load. All in all, fuel efficiency is critical for any car and it takes a lot of effort to build a fuel-efficient car.

Fuel Mileage Explained

How far a car can go with a full tank of fuel is figured out by the MPGs it gets. ​The size of the vehicle, drivetrain (4WD or 2WD), and engine tech all play an enormous role in calculating the MPGs of the vehicle. The stats favor small cars with hybrid capabilities and a low curb weight that just barely tips the scales. While gas mileage can decrease during the life of a car, regular drives and maintenance are the best ways to prevent a drop in MPGs.

Gas Economy in City vs Highway

Looking at fuel economy, there are 2 different statistics that define the gas mileage, city and highway miles per gallon. Rear world driving conditions are different when compared to the testing conditions and the numbers show it. Measuring the two different gas mileage ratings shows how your driving habits can affect a vehicle’s fuel economy. Your driving habits can affect the fuel economy, ​so noting the two different gas mileage ratings gives a more realistic description of your vehicle. Considering all the starting and stopping of city driving compared to the constant movement of driving on the highway, clearly, driving on the highway will probably net a higher amount of gas mileage.

How Do Drive Modes Affect Gas Efficiency

Many vehicles that have been made in the past few years have included a couple of different drive modes to fit your habits and save fuel when it’s not needed. A performance mode will prioritize a performance-based drive while “Eco” mode will save fuel. Between cylinder deactivation and driving modes, vehicles are more fuel-efficient than ever before.