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How is EPA Gas Economy Calculated In Cars & Trucks?

Looking for how EPA gas economy is calculated in cars and trucks?

While the speed, power, and luxury of a new car are incredibly important to most prospective buyers, fuel efficiency is essential over its lifetime. While the gas mileage statistics are determined by the EPA, there is a list of parts to determine the official gas mileage and they vary. Beginning with the weight of the car and the capability of the engine. Even if the vehicle is heavy, the engine technology could still lower the amount of gasoline being used in specific situations. Fuel economy ratings are usually higher for small cars because of their aerodynamics and weight. These smaller cars do not take as much fuel to keep them running smoothly. Something else to consider is vehicle maintenance, doing stuff like making sure the tires have the right pressure to lighten the workload. Overall, gas mileage is critical for any vehicle and it takes many of the components working together to build a fuel-efficient car.

Fuel Efficiency Explained

The distance a vehicle is able to travel with a full tank of gas is figured out by the fuel economy it gets. ​Vehicle size, drivetrain (2WD or 4WD), and engine horsepower all play a huge part in determining the MPGs of a vehicle. The stats favor smaller cars with hybrid capabilities and a curb weight that is light enough that just barely tip the scales. While the fuel economy can dip over time, frequent drives and scheduled maintenance are the simplest ways to prevent a drop in your fuel economy.

City vs Highway

When examining miles per gallon, there are 2 different numbers that define the gas mileage of your vehicle, the miles per gallon in the highway and city. Rear world conditions are different compared to the testing conditions and the overall numbers show it. Measuring the 2 different gas mileage ratings displays how your driving habits will absolutely affect a vehicle’s fuel economy. Your driving habits can affect your gas mileage, ​so noting both gas mileage ratings provides a more realistic description of your vehicle. With all the stop and go of city driving compared to the constant speed of driving on the highway, clearly, highway driving should get a higher amount of gas mileage.

Do Driving Modes Affect Gas Economy

Many cars that have been released for the past several years have included drive modes to fit driver’s habits and save gas when desired. A performance mode will give you a performance-based drive while “Eco” (or Economy) mode prioritizes gas mileage. Between driving modes and cylinder deactivation, new cars are more fuel-efficient than ever before.