What is the Difference Between Combined Fuel Consumption and Actual Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
Combined fuel consumption and actual fuel consumption differ in data and concept. Data difference: The actual fuel consumption of a vehicle is based on the actual driving conditions and the amount of fuel consumed, which may vary for any vehicle; the combined fuel consumption for the same brand, series, and model is identical. Concept difference: Combined fuel consumption generally refers to the fuel consumption under a mix of urban roads, various road conditions, and different speeds; actual fuel consumption can vary significantly depending on individual driving habits, road conditions, automatic or manual transmission, load, weather, wind speed, tire pressure, etc., and is determined by the actual driving conditions.
I've been driving for over a decade. The combined fuel consumption is usually the standard value measured by manufacturers in laboratories, simulating an average of various road conditions, which is particularly idealistic. But what about the actual fuel consumption? That's what I get from driving on real roads every day. Idling in traffic consumes more fuel, running the AC adds an extra two liters, and each sudden acceleration wastes quite a bit of gas. My car is rated at 6 liters per 100 km combined, but in reality, it can go over 8 liters. The difference is even greater when mixing city driving with highway driving. My advice is not to just look at the combined fuel consumption when buying a car. It's better to ask experienced owners about their actual experiences or measure the fuel consumption yourself by tracking fuel refills and mileage, so you know what to expect.
I noticed that my actual fuel consumption is always higher than the advertised figures. The combined fuel consumption is based on official test cycles under ideal conditions, like constant speed and no wind resistance. But in reality? My daily commute in the city involves frequent stops at traffic lights, sudden accelerations, and wind gusts that push up fuel consumption. In cold weather, I also need to use the heater. While the official combined figure is 5L/100km, I'm consistently hitting 6.5L/100km. Next time I buy a car, I'll be more cautious—not getting fooled by numbers and prioritizing fuel-efficient models. I also keep detailed fuel records to compare data. Real-world experience has taught me that official combined values can only serve as reference points.
