NOTTINGHAM, MD (Tuesday, July 27, 2021) –– In-dash fuel economy displays estimate the number of miles a vehicle gets per gallon, including how many “miles to empty.” AAA tested the accuracy of these systems and found their estimates vary significantly over shorter trips or are dependent on the consistency of things that affect gas mileage like speed and acceleration. This means drivers could be taking an unnecessary risk if they over rely on these displays. This is especially true for the 74% of drivers who use their “miles-to-empty” display when they are low on gas to decide when to fill up (according to a AAA consumer survey). To avoid running out of gas, AAA recommends drivers watch their gas gauge and fill up when it reaches a quarter of a tank. 

“People want to get the most out of a tank of gas, especially when prices are higher,” said Megan McKernan, Manager of the Automotive Research Center. “Collectively, the systems we tested were relatively accurate, but a closer examination of different driving scenarios revealed significant variability based on changes in speed, acceleration and distance.” 

Testing Shows Driving Habits Directly Impact Fuel Economy

AAA, in collaboration with the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California, used a dynamometer, essentially a treadmill for vehicle testing, to run selected vehicles through a series of simulated driving scenarios to determine the accuracy of the fuel economy estimation and range value (aka “miles-to-empty”) systems. 

“It’s the season of the Great American Road trip and with higher gas prices, motorists need to know how far their car can safely go between fill ups,” said Ben Perricone, AAA’s Roadside Assistance & Approved Auto Repair Territory Manager. “Nationwide, AAA responds to 162,000 fuel calls on average in the summer, but by heading to the gas station once your fuel economy display reaches a quarter of a tank, you can help avoid any unnecessary risks.” 

In 2019, AAA came to the rescue of 9,421 drivers in Maryland. While 2020 was an anomaly due to the pandemic’s impact on driving, 6,373 drivers in Maryland still needed fuel assistance. From January to July 25, 2021, numbers are looking more like 2019 with 4,527 members in Maryland needing assistance. 

On average, the fuel economy display of the vehicles tested showed a relatively low error of 2.3%, as compared to the fuel economy measured by the dynamometer. However, individual vehicle error varied greatly, ranging from −6.4% to 2.8%. The negative number indicates that one test vehicle overestimated fuel economy by 6.4% or 2.2 mpg, while another underestimated it by 2.8% or 0.9 mpg. These specific results suggest that each vehicle reacted to changes in driving differently, and that the accuracy can be impacted by driving style and conditions. 

Testing of the “miles-to-empty” display found similar results with accuracy fluctuating across driving scenarios. While each manufacturer likely uses a unique algorithm to estimate vehicle range, it can be assumed that some historical driving data is also used to determine the vehicle’s fuel efficiency for future driving. Therefore, the range estimation, at any given point, is affected by the vehicle’s most recent driving conditions. 

“We ran our test vehicles through different driving situations, ranging from cruising at highway speeds to being stuck in traffic to typical city driving,” said McKernan. “Despite the irregularities our testing found, a vehicle’s fuel economy display is an important tool to understand how different driving styles impact how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel.” 

The information displayed by these systems can give drivers a clearer picture of how their specific driving habits influence their fuel economy. To do this, drivers should reset their vehicle’s trip data after filling up, and then watch how their fuel economy display changes as driving conditions change. 

Maximizing Fuel Economy Is Key As Gas Prices Reach 7-Year High

In recent weeks, gas prices have reached their highest point in seven years. To offset some of this additional cost, AAA recommends drivers do the following:

• Plan ahead and run multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible avoid times of day when traffic is heavier.
• If you own more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient model whenever possible.
• Avoid hard acceleration to maximize fuel economy, and always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure found inside the driver’s side door or owner’s manual.
• Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. Smaller cars weighed down by heavy cargo will have a greater reduction in fuel economy than larger models designed to carry more weight.
• Consider minimizing your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.

• In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car. 

Follow us on Twitter: @AAAMDNews

Like us on Facebook: AAA Mid-Atlantic News

Mailing Address:
5375 Campbell Boulevard
Nottingham, MD 21236

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.