How to Calculate Gas Mileage

To help understand how efficiently your vehicle performs on West Lafayette streets, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, rates the fuel efficiency of new vehicles. Plenty of work goes into highlighting a car’s mpg ratings, but it’s also important to note that actual mileage on the road can vary. Learn how to calculate the gas mileage of your vehicle on Lafayette roads with Auto Express. If you have any questions about your gas mpg ratings, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Is There a “Good” Gas Mileage?

While some vehicles highlight impressive gas mpg ratings, there is no standard for “good” gas mileage. For example, plenty of SUVs highlight a gas mileage that can be considered good, however, it’s a lower gas mileage than the numbers found on sedans. Yet, the same can be said when comparing gas mpg ratings to those of plug-in hybrids that use both gas and electric power; hybrids will always be more efficient than traditional gas-powered vehicles.

When shopping for a new or used vehicle, it’s important to keep your car mpg expectations in mind. Using a gas mileage calculator can also help understand the performance of your current vehicle. Learn more below!

Gas Mileage Calculator

Understanding your vehicle’s gas mileage is relatively simple. Here’s how to calculate your gas mileage: 

1. To get an accurate record for the gas mileage calculator, it’s best to start with a full tank of gas. You should then either reset your odometer or record the exact mileage after fully filling up. Also, make note of your fuel tank capacity by checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 
2. Follow your usual Indianapolis commute and weekend routines. Keep in mind that if you accelerate more quickly or drive differently, it can change your “typical” gas mileage for your records.
3. Wait until your need to refill your tank and record your mileage again. The longer you wait to refuel, the more accurate mix of driving conditions will be factored into your estimated gas mileage.
4. When it’s time to calculate your gas mileage, simply divide the number of miles traveled by the number of gallons of gas your vehicle took to refill, or how long you’ve driven by how many gallons you’ve used.
5. If you didn’t note exactly how many gallons you filled your car with at the Crawfordsville-area gas station, you can get a general idea from the fuel tank markers on your dashboard (i.e. ¼, ½, or ¾). Remember where the tank was when you refilled and divide out the total tank capacity to get an idea of the number of gallons refilled. Then, divide the number of miles driven by that refueling estimate. While this gives you an idea of your car’s mpg, it isn’t 100% accurate. If you have a digital gas gauge that can tell exactly how much is in your tank, it can give you a more accurate estimate than analog gauges. 

Find Your Efficient Vehicle with Auto Express! 

Now that you understand how to calculate gas mileage, weigh the pros and cons of adding an efficient hybrid model to your Crawfordsville drives. When it comes to finding the right car, trust the team at Auto Express and our vehicle finder service and take home the performance and capabilities that fit your driving style.