Skip to main content

Your Mileage Will Vary

EPA fuel economy estimates are based on standardized tests designed to reflect "typical" driving conditions and driver behavior, but several factors can affect MPG significantly:

  • How & where you drive
  • Vehicle condition & maintenance
  • Fuel variations
  • Vehicle variations
  • Engine break-in

Therefore, the EPA ratings are a useful tool for comparing the fuel economies of different vehicles but may not accurately predict the average MPG you will get.

To find out what you can do to improve the fuel economy of your car, visit our gas tips pages:

Why Does Fuel Economy Vary?

MotorWeek video shows how driving style can affect MPG and offers tips on how to improve fuel economy

Transcript

Provided by Maryland Public Television

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.