gas mileage

Honda Accord Gas Mileage Improvement Tactics

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While reliability might be the Honda Accord’s strongest suit, an above-average level of fuel-efficiency (relative to size) makes the Accord a solid choice for families and commuters, alike. The Accord has enjoyed consistent popularity through the years – with more than ten million sold – and has grown from compact to full size over that time.

There are simple methods that can be used to increase the Accord’s gas mileage. These methods are both operational and mechanical in nature.

Adopting a fuel-conscious driving style is the surest way to slash the amount you spend at the service station each week. If your Accord is equipped with an Instant MPG (mile per gallon) gauge, using it will help you to become a light-footed driver. Learning when and where to back off on the accelerator pedal is an essential step. A Real-Time Fuel Economy display provides visual feedback to let you know when to let up. If your Accord is not equipped with an Instant MPG gauge from the factory, you can add an aftermarket unit, such as the ScanGaugeE or AutoMeter EcoMeter for under $100 dollars. Both the ScanGaugeE and EcoMeter plug into the OBDII (On Board Diagnostics Port) that’s located underneath the dashboard. There are a number of smartphone apps that can help, as well, but you’ll need an OBD WiFi or Bluetooth adapter (or hardwired cable).

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How to Calculate Gas Mileage

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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.

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MPGomatic’s Gas Mileage Guide

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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.

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Hybrid vs Conventional: Are Hybrids Worth the Added Cost?

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There’s no shortage of folks that want you to believe that hybrid technology isn’t worth the added cost. They’ll throw an equation together that seems to prove their point, then hammer away at the issue without approaching the question without bias. There’s no question whether hybrids are more expensive. It’s whether or not you can expect to recoup the cost within the period of time that you own the vehicle.

In order to do so, you have to consider the specifics. You need to look at the characteristics of your driving cycles, then apply these to the equation. This can only happen when you take your annual miles driven into consideration, along with the percentage of city driving (as opposed to highway or rural driving), and your average local fuel prices.

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Diesel vs. Gasoline: Is Diesel Worth the Added Cost?

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Folks are often distracted by the cost-differential between regular unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard variations of the same question, “how can you justify buying a diesel-powered car with the 30 cent difference between diesel and gasoline?”

Diesel engines can be as much as 30% more fuel efficient than the equivalent gasoline engine. The cost-differential between diesel fuel and regular unleaded varies depending on factors that include seasonal fluctuations, geographic location, and market demand.

So how do diesel cars save money over their gasoline engine counterparts, when diesel fuel is more expensive than regular unleaded gasoline?

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