How to Calculate Car Fuel Consumption Accurately?
3 Answers
Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers equals fuel consumption (liters) divided by distance traveled (kilometers) multiplied by 100. In addition, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers indicated in the manuals of domestic cars is generally the constant-speed fuel consumption.
I pay special attention to fuel expenses when commuting by car. The accurate way to calculate fuel consumption is to fill up the tank and note the odometer reading each time, for example, starting at 1000 kilometers. After driving for a while, return to the gas station to fill up again, recording how many liters of fuel were added and how many kilometers were driven. Divide the amount of fuel added by the distance traveled and multiply by 100 to get the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. For example, adding 35 liters of fuel after driving 500 kilometers results in 7 liters/100 km. I measure multiple times on different road conditions: for instance, steady driving on highways consumes less fuel, while city traffic congestion leads to higher fuel consumption. Taking the average makes the results more reliable. I also use a mobile app to automatically track data, avoid aggressive driving and sudden braking, and maintain proper tire pressure to ensure the test results accurately reflect the car's condition. Regular maintenance, such as changing the air filter, can also reduce fuel consumption fluctuations, ensuring precise calculations and saving unnecessary expenses.
As someone who has done some research on cars, I know that accurately calculating fuel consumption requires some techniques. Besides the basic full-tank method, you can also use the onboard computer display or connect an OBD device to an app for real-time monitoring, but it's recommended to combine manual testing for calibration. For example, fill up the tank, drive 500 kilometers, then fill up again and record the fuel amount to calculate the liters per 100 kilometers; repeating this several times and taking the average can reduce errors. The key is maintaining consistent vehicle conditions during testing: data is more accurate after the engine has warmed up, while low tire pressure or heavy loads can increase fuel consumption. I pay attention to my driving habits: maintaining a steady speed of 80-100 kilometers per hour is the most fuel-efficient, and using the air conditioning less can lower the numbers. Fuel consumption during a new car's break-in period is unstable and only becomes accurate after a few hundred kilometers. This way, I can meticulously calculate the cost per kilometer, saving fuel and driving with peace of mind.
