What is the Correct Formula for Calculating Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
The correct formula for calculating fuel consumption is to fill up a full tank of gas, reset the odometer to zero, and then after the fuel is used up, calculate the distance traveled. Divide the number of liters of fuel added by the distance traveled, then multiply by 100 to get the average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. Fuel consumption refers to the fuel economy indicator of a car traveling at a constant speed on good road conditions. The fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is a theoretical indicator of a vehicle, representing the fuel consumed when the vehicle travels 100 kilometers at a certain speed on the road. The fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is a value measured by manufacturers under controlled conditions using a dynamometer installed on the vehicle's chassis, converted into speed parameters, and then calculated as the theoretical experimental fuel consumption data per 100 kilometers for the vehicle model.
The correct formula for calculating fuel consumption is typically liters per 100 kilometers, which involves dividing the amount of fuel consumed by the distance traveled and then multiplying by 100. This gives you the number of liters used per 100 kilometers. For example, if you note your odometer reading as 1,000 kilometers before driving, fill up the tank afterward, and record that you added 20 liters of fuel while the odometer now shows 1,100 kilometers, the distance traveled is 100 kilometers with 20 liters consumed. Thus, the fuel consumption is (20 ÷ 100) × 100 = 20 liters/100km. This method is widely used in the automotive field because it provides an intuitive measure for everyday driving. Fuel consumption is significantly affected by driving conditions—for instance, maintaining a steady speed of 70-80 km/h on highways is much more fuel-efficient than stop-and-go city driving. Additionally, seasonal changes matter; colder winter temperatures increase fuel consumption as the engine requires more warm-up time. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and throttle body cleaning, can optimize performance and ensure accurate calculations. Long-term tracking helps detect anomalies, like a sudden spike in fuel consumption, which may indicate tire issues or engine problems, prompting early inspection to prevent worsening.
