Most Minnetonka-area car shoppers are looking for a vehicle that will help them to get the most out of every gallon of gas. This is understandable given how unstable fuel prices can be. So, when you are looking for your next vehicle, you will want to check out its mpg ratings. What is mpg? What does mpg mean? Learn all about what mpg ratings in this guide from Motorwerks MINI, then stop by our dealership in Golden Valley to find your next fuel-efficient car in our new MINI Cooper inventory today!
What is MPG?
What is mpg, what does mpg mean, and what is a good mpg? These are questions that many drivers in and around St Louis Park ask when they are in the market for an efficient vehicle. First of all, “mpg” stands for “miles per gallon”, which is simply the measure of how many miles you can drive on a gallon of fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is the government entity that certifies mpg ratings. EPA fuel economy testing is conducted on various different driving courses that simulate both city driving and highway driving. What is a good mpg? It depends on what you want, where and how you drive, and other factors. High-performance vehicles, full-size trucks and SUVs, or off-road AWD models are typically less fuel efficient than compact cars and hybrids. Here’s what the EPA-estimated mpg ratings mean:
- City MPG: This is the average mpg rating for a vehicle driven on city streets. Since vehicles consume more fuel in stop and go city traffic, the city mpg rating tends to be lower and less impressive than the highway mpg.
- Highway MPG: Highway driving allows you to cruise steadily for longer periods of time without stopping, so the highway driving is more fuel efficient and the highway mpg will reflect that.
- Combined MPG: The combined average of highway and city mpg ratings.
How Can I Calculate My Own Vehicle’s MPG?
The EPA-estimated mpg ratings may not be what you’re currently getting, as driving conditions and your personal driving habits can affect fuel consumption. So, what is a good mpg for your own vehicle? Follow the steps below to calculate the mpg your vehicle is currently delivering:
- Fill your tank up with gas and reset your trip odometer.
- Drive as you usually would until your gas tank is almost empty.
- Check your odometer to get the number of miles you’ve driven since you filled your tank, then divide that number by the total number of gallons it took to fill your tank up with gas.
If you’re like most car owners in the Minneapolis-area, you drive in both city and highway conditions on a weekly, or even daily basis. This is why the combined mpg ratings will usually be the most accurate measurement of your actual mpg.
How Can I Reduce My Own Fuel Consumption?
Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle that has strong mpg ratings will help you to save money on fuel-ups. However, there are some things that you can do to maintain or boost your mpg. Consider the following:
- Using cruise control helps you to maintain a steady speed and use less gas on MN highways.
- Always use the recommended fuel for your vehicle in order to maintain efficient performance.
- Keeping up to date with your MINI Cooper maintenance schedule will ensure that you enjoy a safe and fuel-efficient ride wherever you drive.
- Plan your drive in advance to avoid wasting gas backtracking, missing exits, etc., which can waste gas.
Test Drive a Fuel-Efficient MINI Cooper at Motorwerks MINI!
How often you drive, local driving conditions, and your driving style will all affect the actual mpg you get on MN roads. The team at Motorwerks MINI will be happy to provide you with additional tips on improving fuel efficiency. If you’d like to eliminate gasoline from the picture altogether, consider upgrading to one of our all-electric MINI Cooper models. Please feel free to contact us online or at (952) 213-5589 if you have any questions about the electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid options available at our dealership in Golden Valley.
