BusinessXtras

Figuring out your gas mileage yourself is very easy to do, and if you remember this simple method you can figure it out for yourself every time you fill up your tank.

First, you need to figure out the number of miles between each fill-up. Second, you will figure out how much gas was used. Finally, you will estimate your gas mileage, using only simple math. To get started, you will need a calculator, a piece of paper, and pen or pencil.

Step 1: Fill your gas tank completely full.

Step 2: Reset your trip odometer back to zero. If you are unable to do this, then write down the mileage of your car.

Step 3: Drive around normally until it’s time to put gas in your car.

Step 4: When the tank is almost empty, fill it back up with gas.

Step 5: Now you need to calculate the number of miles you have driven since between fill-ups. If you reset your trip odometer (in Step2), check it now for this number. If you wrote down your vehicle’s mileage in Step 2, subtract it from the current total mileage of your vehicle. Write down the number you get because this is the number of miles you have driven between fill-ups.

NOTE: The number you get in step 5 will be between 100-500 miles. If it isn’t, there is most likely a problem with your math. Either that or you are getting excellent gas mileage.

Step 6: Next you need to figure out how much gas you have used between fill-ups. To do this, all you have to do is to look at the pump. The number of gallons on the gas pump is how much gas you used between fill-ups. Write down the number of gallons with a few numbers after the decimal point on the piece of paper.

Step 7: Now get out your calculator. Divide the number in step 5 by the number in step 6. This divides the number of miles driven by the number of gallons of gas between fill-ups. The number you get is your gas mileage!

For a truck or large SUV, your gas mileage will probably be between 12 and 20. For a small SUV or a large car, your gas mileage will probably be between 18 and 25. For a compact or mid-sized car, your gas mileage will probably be between 25 and 35. For a scooter, your gas mileage will be so good that you probably won’t even need to calculate it. If the number you came up with for your gas mileage is considerably more or less than what is listed above, there may be a problem with your math or with your car.

About the Author:

Author Jason Lancaster, an auto industry veteran, developed AccurateAutoAdvice.com. You’ll find accurate advice on gas mileage advice and how to figure out gas mileage.