How to Calculate MPG or Gas Mileage
Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License
Here’s How to Get a Clear Picture of Your Fuel Economy
When you’re out shopping for a new car, you need to consider certain factors so that you can get the best deal. One of them is the car’s MPG.
You’re probably aware that gas efficiency is measured in miles per gallon (MPG), commonly referred to as gas mileage. Your car’s MPG will tell you how far it can travel until the fuel runs out. For example, if you find a car that states it has 50mpg with a capacity of one gallon of fuel, this means it can travel for 50 miles before it needs to refuel.
However, it’s important to note that the MPG can vary from the estimates stated by the car manufacturer. Your driving habits, your vehicle’s condition, weather and road conditions, and how much weight your car is carrying can significantly influence how much mileage you get from each full tank of gas.
Calculating MPG or Gas Mileage Is Easy
The only way for you to get a clear snapshot of your fuel economy and identify potential issues with your vehicle is to learn how to calculate gas mileage. When you figure this out, you’ll know just how much your gas-powered set of wheels is costing you. To help you get started, Goodwill Car Donations shares the steps to calculate your gas mileage.
- Fill up the gas tank and record.
The first step to making your gas mileage better is to figure out what you’re getting in the first place. Fill up your gas tank all the way and record the master odometer mileage. If your vehicle has a trip odometer, you need to reset it.
Next, try to drive your car as you normally would and allow your gas tank to deplete to about half of a full tank of gas. Head down to the nearest gas station and have your tank filled up again. Be sure to record the amount of gas it took to get your tank refilled and take note of the new odometer mileage or the elapsed trip miles.
- Calculate the MPG.
After taking note of the numbers, check the trip odometer to get the miles traveled. You may also choose to subtract the original odometer reading from the new one. To get your car’s average miles per gallon yield for that specific driving period, divide the miles traveled by the amount of gas it took to refill your tank.
For example: 313 miles driven ÷ 16 gallons fueled = 19.5mpg
Each time you refill your gas tank, you can monitor and improve your fuel efficiency by repeating this procedure.
- Calculate the rate of gas.
You’ll be able to determine the cost of driving your vehicle by calculating the rate of gas. Using the calculated number of miles per gallon, you can determine the cost of driving your car per distance measured.
First, take note of the average price you pay at pumps per gallon. Next, divide this number by the calculated mpg for your vehicle. This way, you can improve your savings each time your drive. As soon as you’ve determined the cost of traveling per unit of measure, apply this price to the distance of the trip you’re planning. This will give you an idea of the cost of a given trip using your vehicle.
Thinking of Getting Rid of Your Gas Guzzler?
Are you planning to replace your old clunker with a more fuel-efficient ride? If you’re looking for the best way to dispose of that gas guzzler, we at Goodwill Car Donations would be glad to provide you exactly that when you decide to donate that vehicle to us.
We will auction off your vehicle and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your place. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who are burdened with disabilities, lack of essential skills, education, or job experience, and other disadvantages that serve as roadblocks in their bid to find financial independence.
Goodwill organizations use the extra funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.
These are all meant to equip needy individuals in your community with the tools that will help them harness their full potential so they can live productive and fulfilling lives.
We’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country. Your donation will also entitle you to receive the maximum tax write-off in the next tax season.
What’s more, you can count on us to provide you with a highly satisfying donation experience, knowing that your act of charity will help generate new jobs in your community. These are new opportunities for growth and progress that will benefit all residents.
We accept almost all types of vehicles, whether still in good condition or no longer.
To find out the details of our vehicle donation process, and other relevant information, visit our FAQs page. For your questions and concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message online.
Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License
Make Your Community a Better Place Today!
You have the power to make your community a better place for everyone. All you have to do is donate that old clunker that’s no longer serving you well. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 26th, 2023