What is Car Mileage?
Car mileage, also known as fuel efficiency or fuel economy, measures how far your vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed. It's typically expressed in kilometers per liter (km/l) or miles per gallon (mpg). Higher mileage means your car is more fuel-efficient, saving you money and reducing environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered good mileage for a car?
Generally, 15-20 km/l (35-47 mpg) is considered good mileage for most passenger cars. Hybrid and electric vehicles can achieve much higher efficiency. Smaller cars typically get better mileage than larger SUVs or trucks.
How can I accurately measure my car's mileage?
Fill your tank completely, reset your trip meter, drive normally until you need to refuel, note the distance traveled, fill the tank again and record the fuel amount. Use these numbers in our calculator for accurate results.
Does driving speed affect fuel efficiency?
Yes, significantly. Most cars achieve optimal fuel efficiency between 50-80 km/h (30-50 mph). Driving faster increases air resistance and fuel consumption. Each 8 km/h over 80 km/h can reduce fuel economy by about 7%.
Why does my actual mileage differ from the manufacturer's claim?
Manufacturer ratings are tested under ideal laboratory conditions. Real-world factors like traffic, driving habits, weather, terrain, vehicle load, and maintenance affect actual mileage. City driving typically yields 20-30% lower mileage than highway driving.
Can air conditioning affect my car's mileage?
Yes, using air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency by 10-20%. At higher speeds, however, open windows create drag that may consume more fuel than using AC. For city driving under 65 km/h, open windows are more efficient; above that, AC is typically better.