Tag Archives: fuel economy

How to Calculate Your Car’s Gas Mileage

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Gas prices will always be at the forefront of our budgets. Fuel costs seem to increase with every turn of the market, regardless of direction. For the sake of your financial goals and money-saving priorities, try calculating your vehicle’s gas mileage to see if you are getting the most out of every gallon. Continue below to learn how you determine your car’s MPG, plus what you can do to improve fuel efficiency from there.

Car Maintenance Mechanic Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800
Car Maintenance Mechanic Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

Gas Mileage 101

The number of miles your car can drive on one gallon of gas is referred to as gas mileage, or miles per gallon (MPG). This is also known as fuel economy. The more miles per gallon your car gets, the more fuel efficient it is.

To achieve the highest level of fuel economy possible for your vehicle, the key is regular maintenance and quality automotive parts and products. The better you care for your car, the better it will perform and the longer it will last.

To understand your vehicle’s routing car maintenance needs, refer to the owners’ manual. If you do not have the owners’ manual, you can download one online for your make and model vehicle, or you can ask a trusted Carmel IN mechanic for a recommended auto maintenance schedule.

Calculating Your Vehicle’s MPG

There are 7 simple steps to calculating your vehicle’s miles per gallon. It will take some time, as well as some basic, elementary-level math. Here’s how to determine a car’s MPG:

➊ Fill Your Tank All the Way – Be sure your gas tank is topped off all the way.

➋ Record the Odometer Reading – Write down the number of miles that reads on your odometer. You may also set your odometer’s trip meter is applicable.

➌ Use Up All Your Gas – Drive your vehicle as you normally would until the gas tank is on E again. This should take a week or so depending on how much and how far you drive on a daily basis.

➍ Record the Odometer Reading AGAIN – Write down the number of miles that shows on your odometer.

➎ Record the Number of Gallons Refueled – Write down how many gallons of gas it took to refuel your tank all the way full.

➏ Do the Math – Subtract the first odometer reading from the second reading. This will tell you how many miles your car drove on one tank of gas.

➐ Do Some More Math – To get your MPG, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons it took to refill your gas tank.

Does Your Car Have Good Fuel Economy?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides us with a fuel economy rating system that evaluates vehicles on a scale from 1 to 10, with lower numbers being worse and higher numbers being better. If your vehicle has an MPG less than 14, you are assigned a rating of 1, while a MPG of 44 or more rates a full 10.

Are you looking for trusted automotive service for your classic or luxury European vehicle? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for factory scheduled car maintenance in Carmel, Indianapolis. We are German-trained mechanics specializing in European make and model vehicles.

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5 Ways to Better Gas Mileage

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It is possible to get more out of every gallon of fuel you pump into your gas tank.  By simply implementing regular vehicle maintenance and changing the style of your driving, you can achieve better gas mileage on any type of vehicle you own.  These five guidelines are ways to reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses, as well as promote a healthier environment.

Indianapolis Auto Repair 317-571-0800

Indianapolis Auto Repair 317-571-0800

5 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency:

Check the Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires are a huge contribution to poor gas mileage.  It can increase the fuel consumption as much as 6%.  By regularly checking your tire pressure and ensuring they are properly inflated, you can save more fuel with every trip.  Tires should be inspected once a month and done so before driving, while the vehicle is still cold.  Do not let radial tires fool you; they may look inflated but can actually have low tire pressure.  Always check anyway.

Use Less AC

During the hot summer months, your car’s ac unit contributes to almost 10% of increased fuel use.  On cooler days, avoid using the car ac unit by rolling down the windows and keeping a cool beverage in your cup holder.

Avoid Jack-Rabbit Driving

Jack-rabbit driving looks similar to a person learning to drive in first gear for the first time.  Abrupt starts and hard stops is what we refer to as jack-rabbit driving.  Aggressive driving causes your vehicle to use more gas.  This can happen when we are stuck in traffic, or in a hurry to get somewhere.  Avoid this type of driving and increase your gas mileage.

Obey Speed Limits

Another way to get better gas mileage is to maintain a steady speed when driving.  Accelerating and decelerating causes your car to pull more fuel.  If you typically drive ten miles over the speed limit on the highway, try going slower to save gas.  You will see a difference within a few days.  Also, on long stretches of highway, use cruise control.  This helps regulate the amount of fuel being consumed per mile.

Drive Less

The most obvious, yet, difficult remedy to poor gas mileage is too much driving.  If you can make the commitment to drive less often, it can greatly reduce the amount of fuel you consume per week.  Try taking buses, organizing car pools, and walking to closer destinations.  Not only can this be good for your fuel budget, it is a great way to improve the environment.

Carmel Auto Service

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

For more information on improving your gas mileage, call Autohaus Dierolf today at 317-571-0800.  We are expert German and European car mechanics located in Carmel, IN.  We offer advice, guidance, and free estimates too!  Visit our Indiana European Car Repair website for a list of services we offer.