Jeeeez.........that’s no way to calculate miles per gallon.
I'm NOT trying to make fun of you, though it always throws me, when I hear guys talk about their MPG based on how many miles they went on a tank full of gas.
FYI, try calculating your MPG the "old fashion way."
There is going to be some variance, though I did say it was the "old fashion way." Start by filling up your gas tank, fully.......on level ground........first click off (second click off or whatever) or until you see the gas is it at a certain level in the filler neck (some stations will let you look, some won't).........sometimes you'll have to wait a little for the gas to settle in the tank........or the tank to "burrrp." You don't need to record how many gallons were needed (this time). Though you must record your odometer reading (or set the trip odometer) and remember this fill up procedure.
Any way..........now, drive it...........fill it when needed (don't have to be exact about filling it), log the number of gallons that went in.............drive it some more...............fill it when needed…………………………always logging the amount of gallons that went in............repeat the procedure several times.
After a couple of cycles: of driving, and filling, and logging the number of gallons...........this last time, you're gonna go to the same gas station and follow the same procedure that you used to fill your gas tank the first time that you started your quest for truth. Record this last odometer reading.
So, all done filling her up..............how many gallons was it this time? OK, now add up all of the gallons since you first recorded the odometer. So, how many gallons was the total?
Now, take the beginning odometer reading and minus it from the ending odometer reading………………this number is the total number of miles that you've traveled.
One more calculation left..............now, divide the number of miles by the number of gallons you used..................that number, is your MPG. Use a calculator, if you have trouble.
Now, like I said it's the "old fashion way"............and this method doesn't take into account for an odometer that is not functioning correctly.
As for computers...............well, perhaps one day................I'll have more faith in them.................and, that includes the GPS method. I've been off roading, when I was actually on a paved street.............at least that is what the GPS map said, I was doing........LOL.
Aloha, Mark
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You may just be chasing a non-problem.
I mean………the way you're doing your est., based on miles per tank fill, may be at fault.
Note: You said that currently:
Quote:
lucky if i see 300 miles on a full tank in my 2000 eddie bauer 6 banger
Then, you said
Quote:
i used to get like 325-350 on a full tank..now i dont.…
So, for some that would mean a difference of only about 1-2 gals……so, think technique…….I mean, ”How many times have you squeezed in that extra gallon in?” Or, as others have mentioned city vs. combined vs. pure highway………and, driving style………did anyone mention “winter gas?”
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So, IF a wrong assumption was made, about your technique………I apologize.
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Anyway, your method may be somewhat sound. Though, I’d like to see actual MPG numbers over a period of time.
Cause, I‘ve found that guys who report “high gas usage” based on how many miles they travel on a “tank full”……….is somewhat suspect.
Example………..sometimes (pure highway) I’ll get close to 380 miles on a “tank full” and sometimes I can barely squeak 330 miles before I get scared that I’ll run out. So, at what point did I get afraid?? When the gauge read ¼ tank or was it a “smidgen” under or over that ¼ tank mark?? See what I mean??? Not to mention..……sometimes the gas attendant (in OR you can’t fill your own) will really squeeze in that extra gas……and sometimes they don’t.
Aloha, Mark
PS......look at all the different MPG figures reported by different guys from across the country (note: they gave MPG figures).....and, the tire pressue issue......and, "mods" for the most part weren't even mentioned......there is alot to think about. Do the tune up----Good luck
