Reply by Pete/MD on 11/14/08 1:49pm
Msg #269710
1) Next time you get gas, *fill* the tank. You can't calc mileage if you're in the habit of just adding $10 or $20 worth each time. So fill until the pump clicks off once or twice.
2) Reset your trip odometer - if you have one. If you don't have one, write down your current odometer reading.
3) Drive, drive, drive...
4) Next time you need fuel: again, completely fill the tank until the pump stops. Get a receipt.
5) Write on the receipt the distance from your trip odo (or regular odometer) you went since the previous fill up.
6) Divide the distance driven by the amount of fuel used. That's your fuel economy. If your odometer is in miles, and the receipt shows gallons, the resulting number is your MPG.
E.G. let's say you went 360 miles and you completely refilled the tank by adding 8.7 gallons (US). 360 miles / 8.7 gallons = 41.4 MPG.
7) Keep doing this each time you get gas. Save your receipts/calculations in your glove box or wherever. After a few fill-ups you'll be able to see what's "normal" for your car (assuming you do the same type of driving from tank to tank), and you can start using this info as a baseline from which you can try to improve.
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Reply by Susan Fischer on 11/14/08 9:29pm
Msg #269754
Another way to look at cost is Miles per Dollar:
http://www.unfocusedbrain.com/projects/miles_per_dollar/
In my case, I know I can drive about 14.5 miles for every dollar I put in her tank. When gas prices change, I can calculate in my head an adjustment, up or down. Fuel only, not associated costs of owning an auto.
This helpes determine my actual fuel costs for my mobility - and was a factor in my decision to choose a new car.
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