Gas Mileage Calculator

What Does Gas Mileage Mean?

When it comes to your car’s performance, understanding gas mileage is crucial. Essentially, gas mileage tells you how far your vehicle can travel using one gallon of fuel. Whether you drive a fuel-efficient hybrid or a larger vehicle, this number plays a huge role in how much you spend at the pump.

On fuel labels, you'll typically find three MPG (miles per gallon) figures: city, highway, and a combined rating. The combined MPG is a weighted average, with 55% reflecting city driving and 45% covering highway driving. This number is the most useful when comparing different vehicles, as it gives you an overall sense of fuel efficiency.

So, if your car boasts 40 MPG, that means you can drive 40 miles on one gallon of fuel. Simple, right? But remember, city driving usually gives a lower MPG than highway driving due to the stop-start nature of urban traffic.

What is Fuel Efficiency?

Fuel efficiency goes hand in hand with gas mileage. It measures how effectively a car converts the energy in fuel into motion. More fuel-efficient vehicles can cover more distance with less fuel, which is why it's a big selling point for drivers. Not only does it save you money on fuel, but it also reduces your car’s carbon footprint and overall fuel consumption. That’s good news for both your wallet and the planet.

In today’s world, where environmental concerns are increasingly on our minds, fuel efficiency has become a key factor when buying a car. A more efficient vehicle reduces fuel wastage and cuts down on harmful emissions, making it a win-win for drivers and the environment alike.

What is Good Gas Mileage?

Good gas mileage means you’re getting the most bang for your buck at the pump. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates vehicles on a scale of 1 to 10 for fuel economy. For the 2020 model year, cars with a rating of 1 get 14 MPG or less, while those at the top end of the scale (a rating of 10) achieve 44 MPG or more.

However, what’s considered "good" mileage can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle you drive. Smaller cars typically get better mileage than larger SUVs or trucks. But how you drive also plays a major role—aggressive driving and rapid acceleration can drain fuel faster than you might think.

What Factors Affect Gas Mileage?

Several factors can impact your car’s gas mileage, and it’s not just about the type of vehicle you drive. Let’s look at some of the common culprits behind reduced fuel efficiency.

• Speed: The faster you drive, the more fuel your car uses. While it’s tempting to speed up on long stretches of road, your fuel efficiency drops significantly once you go beyond 60 mph. Rapid acceleration also burns through fuel quickly, so keeping a steady pace is key.

• Idling: We’ve all been there—waiting in the drive-through or keeping the car running while picking someone up. But idling wastes fuel, as your engine is burning energy without going anywhere. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ll be stationary for more than a minute, it’s best to switch off the engine to save fuel.

• Aerodynamics and Weight: Carrying extra weight in your car or attaching a rooftop box can negatively affect your gas mileage. Anything that disrupts your car’s aerodynamics, such as roof racks or trailers, increases drag and causes your engine to work harder, using more fuel in the process.

• Maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle is a more efficient one. Under-inflated tyres, clogged air filters, and engine issues can all contribute to poor gas mileage. Regular servicing and keeping an eye on your car’s condition can help you avoid these pitfalls and keep fuel consumption in check.

• Short Trips: Ever noticed how your fuel gauge seems to drop quickly after a series of short drives? That’s because short trips, especially those from a cold start, use more fuel. The engine needs to warm up to operate efficiently, so frequent short journeys can hit your fuel economy hard.

How to Improve Your Gas Mileage

Luckily, there are several ways you can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, and it’s not just about buying a more fuel-efficient car. Small changes to your driving habits and car maintenance can make a big difference. Let’s take a look at some practical tips:

• Drive Smoothly: One of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage is by driving more carefully. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can quickly reduce fuel efficiency. On motorways, using cruise control to maintain a constant speed will help reduce fuel consumption, especially on long journeys.

• Reduce Unnecessary Weight: If you’re not using that roof box or hauling extra items in the boot, it’s best to leave them behind. The less weight your vehicle carries, the less fuel it will need to move.

• Avoid Excessive Idling: As mentioned earlier, idling burns fuel for no reason. If you’re parked for more than a minute, switch off the engine. Many modern vehicles have “stop-start” technology to handle this for you, which can improve fuel efficiency in heavy traffic.

• Keep Your Tyres Inflated: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tyre pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

• Use the Right Motor Oil: Using the recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle is important for keeping your engine running efficiently. You can find this information in your car’s owner manual or by checking with your mechanic.

• Combine Trips: Rather than making multiple short trips throughout the week, try combining errands into one longer journey. This reduces the number of cold starts and saves fuel by keeping your engine running efficiently for longer.

• Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, try to plan your trips outside of peak traffic hours. Sitting in traffic with the engine running not only wastes time but also burns more fuel. If you have the option, consider working from home a couple of days a week to cut down on your commute.

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Vehicle?

While there are many ways to improve your current vehicle’s gas mileage, sometimes upgrading to a more fuel-efficient car can make a significant difference. If your budget allows, trading in a car that gets poor mileage for one with a higher MPG rating can save you hundreds of pounds a year on fuel costs. Hybrid and electric vehicles, in particular, are becoming more popular for their impressive fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact.