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Your Mileage Will Still Vary

Why Does Fuel Economy Vary?
Video about EPA's New Fuel Economy Ratings

EPA has improved its methods for estimating fuel economy, but your mileage will still vary.

EPA tests are designed to reflect "typical" driving conditions and driver behavior, but several factors can affect MPG significantly:

  • How & Where You Drive
  • Vehicle Condition & Maintenance
  • Fuel Variations
  • Vehicle Variations
  • Engine Break-In

Therefore, the EPA ratings are a useful tool for comparing the fuel economies of different vehicles but may not accurately predict the average MPG you will get.

To find out what you can do to improve the fuel economy of your car, see Driving More Efficiently and Keeping Your Car in Shape.