How to Calculate MPG
Fuel costs a lot of money, whether it’s gasoline or diesel. You need to pay attention to how much gas you consume while driving to save on money and to preserve and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Here are some ways to calculate your miles per gallon.
Steps
Most vehicles and formulations of gasoline have miles per gallon indicated on a label. Remember that the MPG count indicated is calculated under ideal situations; different cars have a different MPG. To measure and calculate your car’s MPG rate, follow these steps:
Before calculating MPG, you may want to have your odometer reset, or you may want to install a separate odometer to calculate your miles.
Go to the nearest gas station and fill your tank completely with gasoline or diesel fuel.
Drive on average speed under normal conditions, preferably on a level road with few turns and curves.
When the fuel indicator reaches a little under half-empty, pull back up to the same gas station and fill your vehicle with the same pump.
Record the mileage for the first run, and record how many gallons you filled in your tank.
Drive on average speed again, until you reach the previous level of the gas tank.
Halt the car, and record the mileage again.
Subtract the mileage of the first run from the mileage from the second run.
Divide the difference by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank. The quotient is the value of your MPG.
Improving Mileage
There are many ways that you can improve your car’s mileage:
Maintenance. Proper auto maintenance is cheap, and goes a long way to keep your car on top condition. A well-maintained car has better mileage than a broken, run-down one.
Driving technique. Keep a light foot on the accelerator when driving. You only need to feed your car enough fuel to move; remember that streets and open roads are not race courses.
Alternative fuels. Certain fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, or special fuel preparations and fuel additives can help add miles for every gallon of fuel.
Whether you’re an occasional driver, a city driver, or if you go long distances with your car, knowing your MPG count can help you save lots of money on fuel.