What is Fuel Economy?

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How is EPA Gas Mileage Measured In Cars?

Are you trying to determine how EPA gas mileage is measured in cars?

While the luxury, speed, and horsepower of any car are very important in the buying process, gas mileage is essential over its lifetime. While the fuel mileage statistics are provided by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, there is a list of elements to determine the official gas mileage and they vary. Leading off with the weight of the car and how much power it has. Even if a car is heavy, the tech of the engine could still lower how much fuel is being used in certain situations. MPG ratings usually are better in small cars, trucks, and SUVs because of their aerodynamics and weight. These smaller cars, trucks, and SUVs do not take as much gas to keep them running smoothly. Something else to consider is the overall maintenance of the car, truck, or SUV, doing things like making sure the tires have the correct pressure. All in all, gas mileage is essential for any vehicle and it takes a lot of effort to make an efficient vehicle.

Fuel Economy Explained

How far any vehicle is able to travel on a tank of gas is figured out by the mile per gallon it gets. ​The size of the car, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and engine tech all play a huge role in determining the MPGs of the vehicle. The stats like small vehicles with hybrid models and a low overall weight that barely tips the scales. While the fuel economy can get worse over time, regular drives and maintenance are the best ways to prevent a drop in your miles per gallon.

MPG in Highway vs City

Looking at miles per gallon, there are 2 results that wrap up the gas mileage, city and highway MPGs. The driving conditions in the real world are different when compared to the testing conditions and the results show it. Calculating the two different gas mileage ratings displays how driving habits will affect a vehicle’s fuel economy. Your driving habits will absolutely affect a vehicle’s gas mileage, ​so providing the two different ratings provides a more realistic description of your vehicle. With all the stop and go of city driving compared to the constant speed of highway driving, clearly, highway driving should get better MPGs.

MPG & Drive Modes

Many vehicles that have been released in the past several years have equipped drive modes to fit your driving style and save gas when it’s not needed. A sporty-type mode will offer a performance-based experience while “Eco” (or Economy) mode will save fuel. Between cylinder deactivation and driving modes, new vehicles are more fuel-efficient than ever before.