A small drop in miles per gallon costs real money over a year. A truck running 120,000 miles a year at 6.5 instead of 7 miles per gallon burns more than 1,300 extra gallons.
Log every fill-up
Write down the date, odometer, gallons and cost each time, filling to full so the numbers line up. Miles since the last fill divided by gallons gives the miles per gallon for that tank.
Watch the trend
One bad tank can be weather, a heavy load or idling. A steady drop points to tires, alignment, injectors, filters or driving habits.
What moves the number
- Speed: a few miles per hour slower saves fuel.
- Idling: an hour of idling burns close to a gallon.
- Tire pressure and alignment.
- Smooth acceleration and using cruise control.
Our fuel economy log keeps every fill-up and shows the miles per gallon and cost per mile.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
