mpg-o-editor

Historical Price of Gasoline in America

by

So how much does a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline cost today, compared to previous years? The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes a table of prices that breaks down the average cost of gasoline along with the percentage of refining, distribution and marketing, taxes, and crude oil. We’ve taken the table and turned it into two charts.

The first chart simply shows the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline over the years, starting in January 2000 through April 2012.

Read more

How to Calculate Gas Mileage

by

There are two basic ways to calculate gas mileage. The task is quite simple if your car, truck, or SUV has an Average Fuel Economy gauge – which may also be referred to as an Average MPG (Mile Per Gallon) display. If it’s not so equipped, there’s no need to worry … the task is not difficult.

If your car has a built-in average fuel economy display, upon filling your vehicle’s gas tank:

  1. Write down the number on the Average Fuel Economy gauge.
  2. Reset the Average Fuel Economy gauge.
  3. Write down the odometer reading, for good measure.

As you’re driving, take the time to check the Average MPG display. You’ll notice that this figure will fluctuate over time, as you encounter different driving conditions.

Read more

MPGomatic’s Gas Mileage Guide

by

Looking to squeak more MPGs out of your car, truck, or SUV? Have you read our Roadmap to Better Gas Mileage yet? It’s a quick and easy read, filled with real world tips and tactics that can help you improve your fuel efficiency without shelling out tens of thousands of dollars on a new car or radically changing your driving habits. Once you’ve absorbed the information in our Gas Mileage Guide, you’ll be on track to shave hundreds of dollars off your yearly fuel bill. The MPGomatic Gas Mileage Guide has always been available instantly and free of charge. Just fill out the form and you’ll receive directions on how to download the ebook.

MPGomatic.com's Roadmap to Better Mileage

When you have time to sit back and watch some fun and informational videos, check out our “Get Better Gas Mileage” series on YouTube. We’ve been adding these MPG-boosting videos with more frequency lately and plan to add more in the coming months. They’re uncomplicated and easy to consume.

Read more

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Review

by

2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Quick-Specs MPG-o-Matic 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist Review Summary: The 2012 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist plays the efficiency card, as it targets the more affordable end of the luxury full-size market, with the Lincoln MKS, Acura TL, and Lexus ES350 as its primary competitors. The LaCrosse eAssist mates a 2.4-liter inline four with a lithium-ion battery powered electric motor, which achieves significantly better fuel economy (25/36) than the conventionally powered MKS (17/25), TL (20/29), and ES350 (19/28). When compared to the slightly smaller Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (41/36), the LaCrosse eAssist is an equal in the highway efficiency, but drastically behind in the city.

The 2012 LaCrosse eAssist is powered by a Direct Injected VVT 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with an eAssist mild hybrid system that produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 172 foot pounds of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. A conventional 3.6-liter VVT V6 is available with either all-wheel-drive (AWD) or front-wheel-drive (FWD). The LaCrosse eAssist is not offered with AWD. (The eAssist system is shared with the Chevy Malibu Eco and Buick Regal eAssist.)

Read more

2012 Nissan Juke SL Review

by

MPG-o-Matic 2012 Nissan Juke Review Summary: The Nissan Juke delivers solid performance but is saddled with an undeniably polarizing design. It’s one of those cars that must be driven to be understood. Nissan refers to the Juke as “The Bold Urban Sport Cross,” but it’s right at home on those country roads, spraying gravel. Folks will cross-shop the Juke against everything from the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ to the Subaru WRX, Suzuki SX4, and MINI Countryman.

The 2012 Nissan Juke is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 16-valve Sequential Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) inline four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower (HP) and 177 foot pounds of torque. The Juke is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD). A Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT) is fitted to both models, but a six-speed manual transmission is only available in FWD. The five-door hatchback is offered in three levels of trim: S, SV, and SL.

Read more