Embarking on a road trip is a fantastic way to explore new places, and for car enthusiasts and budget-conscious drivers alike, understanding gas mileage is crucial. This article delves into a real-world gas mileage experience from a 5250-mile vacation in a 2013 Hyundai Veloster NAV. We’ll Compare Gas Mileage figures obtained from the onboard computer with manual calculations to analyze accuracy and factors influencing fuel efficiency during long journeys.
The journey spanned from central Florida to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, and back, over two and a half weeks. Throughout the trip, meticulous records were kept at each fill-up, noting both the miles per gallon (MPG) reported by the car’s computer and the MPG calculated manually by dividing miles driven by gallons consumed. The data collected provides valuable insights into how these two methods of measuring gas mileage compare in varying driving conditions.
Here’s a detailed look at the gas mileage data recorded during the road trip:
| Onboard Computer MPG | Manual Calculation MPG |
|---|---|
| 47.1 | 47.3 |
| 48.3 | 40.2 |
| 47.5 | 50.0 |
| 47.2 | 40.5 |
| 44.0 | 42.9 |
| 42.0 | 40.9 |
| 41.3 | 40.2 |
| 43.0 | 39.9 |
| 45.1 | 44.3 |
| 47.7 | 45.9 |
| 45.3 | 42.3 |
| 45.0 | 45.0 |
| 40.3 | 40.6 |
| 45.8 | 44.4 |
| 33.8 | 33.5 |
| 43.0 | 40.6 |
| 48.6 | 46.5 |
| 50.4 | 48.1 |
| 45.6 | 44.1 |
| 42.3 | 42.5 |
| 41.0 | 38.4 |
| 43.7 | 42.1 |
| 42.2 | 41.5 |
| 47.4 | 44.6 |
Across the entire 5250-mile journey, a total of 122.61 gallons of fuel were used, resulting in an overall average gas mileage of 42.81 MPG. Driving conditions were consistent for the majority of the trip, primarily using cruise control with air conditioning on. Speed varied slightly, from 55 to 60 mph on the outbound journey and 65 to 70 mph on the return. Interestingly, speed changes appeared to have minimal impact on the observed gas mileage.
However, a notable dip in gas mileage occurred near Zion National Park, with one tank registering only 33 MPG. This lower figure coincided with a challenging drive up the Kolob Terrace road, involving a significant climb from 3000 to 8000 feet on a winding, under-construction road. Furthermore, subsequent days included considerable stop-and-go driving within Zion National Park. This highlights how terrain and driving style can significantly influence fuel consumption and MPG.
One interesting observation was made during a fill-up in Flagstaff, Arizona. While driving at a steady 45 mph in a construction zone on I-10, the onboard computer momentarily indicated an impressive 70 MPG. This spike, although brief and likely aided by a slight downhill grade, demonstrates the potential for high fuel efficiency under optimal conditions.
Analyzing the comparison between the onboard computer and manual MPG calculations, it’s evident that discrepancies exist. The author suggests that the variation might stem from the fuel pump shutting off at slightly different levels during each refill. Despite these minor differences, in 12 out of the 24 fill-ups, the figures were remarkably close, indicating that both methods offer a reasonably accurate representation of gas mileage.
Another practical observation relates to the fuel gauge. With a 13-gallon tank and a gauge displaying 12 dashes, it was noticed that approximately one dash disappeared every 40 miles. This suggests a potential correlation between the fuel gauge and miles driven, which could allow for a fairly accurate prediction of fuel needed for refills. This observation, discovered towards the end of the trip, warrants further investigation for future journeys to refine fuel planning.
In conclusion, comparing gas mileage figures from both onboard computer readings and manual calculations during this 5250-mile road trip reveals valuable insights. While minor variations exist between the two methods, both provide a generally accurate measure of fuel efficiency. Factors such as terrain, driving conditions, and even slight differences in fuel fill levels can influence MPG. For drivers looking to monitor and compare their gas mileage, both the onboard computer and manual calculations offer useful tools for understanding vehicle fuel consumption and optimizing driving habits for better fuel economy.
