Most average car drivers are unconcerned about the internal mechanics or physics associated with driving a car, focusing more on price, durability, and a wide variety of other options they may need to consider when purchasing a vehicle.

In recent years, however, as gas prices skyrocket, more consumers are growing interested in fuel economy when buying a new car. Although many individuals may be aware of the numerical values assigned to their vehicle's fuel economy, they rarely ever understand how this number is calculated, tested, and reported.

Calculating and testing a vehicle's fuel economy is an intense process involving many steps and complicated mathematical equations; however, fuel economy testing has received a considerable amount of criticism, primarily because tested road conditions are actually simulated.

Despite the common misconception that vehicles are road tested, most automotive companies focus on laboratory research to gather relevenat data. In the case of calculating a vehicle's fuel economy, dynamometers, a device used to measure mechanical force and the power output of an engine, are often used.

In addition, vehicles are typically tested without regard to average use. In other words, variables which contribute to gas consumption are eliminated, therefore vehicles are usually not tested while their air conditioners are running, and there is rarely any extra weight in the car other than the experimental driver.

Although your car manufacturer may boast "better" fuel economy, potential car buyers should be aware of the overall inaccurate calculations which are usually produced as a result of this laboratory rather than real-life testing.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How your car's fuel economy is tested and reported?
We want to hear your view. Write now!