1. Calculate Distance Traveled:
- Use your car's odometer to record the starting and ending mileage for a particular trip.
2. Determine Fuel Consumed:
- Fill your car's gas tank completely before your trip.
- After your trip, refill the tank and note how much fuel it took to fill it completely again.
3. Convert Fuel Units:
- If your fuel is measured in gallons (gal), convert it to liters (L) for consistency:
1 gallon (gal) = 3.78541 liters (L)
4. Calculate Gas Mileage:
- Divide the distance traveled (miles or km) by the fuel consumed (gallons or liters).
- This calculation gives you the gas mileage in miles per gallon (mpg) or kilometers per liter (km/L).
For example:
- Distance Traveled: 300 miles
- Fuel Consumed: 15 gallons (56.78 liters)
Gas Mileage = Distance Traveled / Fuel Consumed
Gas Mileage = 300 miles / 15 gallons = 20 miles per gallon (mpg)
5. Consider Trip Conditions:
- Gas mileage can vary depending on factors such as traffic, road conditions, driving style, car's efficiency, and weather conditions.
6. Monitor Gas Mileage:
- Periodically calculate your car's gas mileage to track changes over time and identify any significant deviations from your typical mileage.
7. Reference Manufacturer Specifications:
- Compare your calculated gas mileage with the manufacturer's estimated fuel economy for your specific car model to see how they match.
Remember, gas mileage is a dynamic figure that can be influenced by various factors, so it's recommended to calculate it regularly to gain a better understanding of your car's fuel efficiency.