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New fuel economy tests
By Daniel | June 14, 2008
Starting with the 2008 model year vehicles, the estimated miles per gallon will be calculated off a new set of tests. They will include a more accurate mpg than the old tests which are now more than 40 years old. The new testing will take into account faster speeds and acceleration, air conditioner use, and colder outside temperatures. The new mpg rating will typically be lower than the old one and the vehicles that will see the largest difference are the hybrids. For example, a 2003 Honda insight will go from a combined 56 mpg on the old system to 47 mpg on the new tests. The 2006 Toyota Prius will go from 60 mpg in the city to only 48 mpg with the new rating. You can see and compare the new and old mpg at the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. They have included vehicles back to 1985 with the new mpg rating and have detailed explanations of the new window stickers.
We Test the Tips
At Edmunds.com, Philip Reed has written an article called, What Really Saves Gas? And How Much? They have performed 6 tests in real world conditions to find out what really saves gas mileage. His 6 tests are:
- Test #1 Aggressive Driving vs. Moderate Driving
- Test #2 Lower Speeds Saves Gas
- Test #3 Use Cruise Control
- Test #4 A/C On, Windows Up vs. A/C Off, Windows Down
- Test #5 Check Your Tire Pressure
- Test #6 Avoid Excessive Idling
Major savings potential, up to 37 percent savings, average savings of 31 percent
Substantial savings on a long trip, up to 14 percent savings, average savings of 12 percent
Surprisingly effective way to save gas, up to 14-percent savings, average savings of 7 percent
Nice in theory; not true in practice, no measurable difference (unless you open the sunroof, too!)
Important for safety and to reduce tire wear, no measurable effect on the vehicles we tested
More important than we assumed, avoiding excessive idling can save up to 19 percent
Read the complete article here and find the details on all of the tests.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/106842/article.html
Topics: Auto |