Calculate MPG, track fuel costs, compare vehicles, and discover your potential savings. Get detailed insights into your vehicle's efficiency and environmental impact.
Here's the deal - fuel economy isn't just about saving a few bucks at the pump. A difference of just 5 MPG can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. If you drive 12,000 miles annually, improving from 20 to 25 MPG saves you 120 gallons of gas yearly.
At $3.50 per gallon, that's $420 in your pocket every year. Over the life of your car? We're talking serious money. Plus, you're helping the environment - that's 2,400 pounds less CO₂ in the atmosphere annually.
Smooth acceleration and braking can improve MPG by up to 20%. Think of the accelerator like an egg under your foot.
Clean air filters, proper oil, and tuned engines can improve MPG by 4-10%. It's like giving your car a breath of fresh air.
Combine errands into one trip. Several short trips from cold starts use twice as much fuel as one longer trip.
Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces MPG by 1%. That ski rack? It's costing you 25% on the highway.
EPA tests are done in perfect conditions - no wind, ideal temperature, professional drivers. Real life has traffic, weather, and your lead foot. Expect 10-20% lower than the sticker, especially if you do mostly city driving or live somewhere with extreme weather.
Unless your car specifically requires premium (check your manual or gas cap), you're wasting money. Premium gas in a regular car doesn't improve MPG or performance - it's like feeding a house cat gourmet food. They don't know the difference, and neither does your engine.
More than you think! Idling for just 10 minutes a day wastes about 22 gallons per year. That's $77 literally going up in smoke. If you're stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), turn off the engine. Modern cars don't need to "warm up" by idling either.
Do the math first! If a hybrid costs $5,000 more but saves you $500/year in gas, it'll take 10 years to break even. But if you drive a lot (20,000+ miles/year) or gas prices spike, hybrids can pay off much faster. Plus, there's the environmental benefit to consider.
Most cars get their best MPG between 45-65 mph. Every 5 mph over 60 is like paying an extra $0.24 per gallon. At 80 mph, you're using 25% more fuel than at 60 mph. Physics doesn't care if you're late - air resistance increases exponentially with speed.
Your car uses 20% more fuel in the first mile when the engine is cold. That's why five 2-mile trips use way more gas than one 10-mile trip. Pro tip: Do your furthest errand first to warm up the engine, then hit the closer stops on the way back.
Money-Saving Reality Check: Improving your MPG by just 5 points saves the average driver $300-500 per year. That's a car payment, a weekend getaway, or a really nice dinner out every month. Small changes in how you drive can make a real difference in your wallet.