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Some consumers may
notice that their fuel economy estimates differ from EPA's estimates.
This is not unusual, since real-world conditions frequently differ from
those in laboratory tests, which are strictly controlled so that the results
can be used to compare the fuel economy of different vehicles:
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No
laboratory test can simulate all driving conditions and driving styles.
Trip length, traffic conditions, terrain, temperature, and weather
all affect fuel economy. In addition, fast acceleration and heavy
braking, driving at high speeds, carrying extra weight, using cargo
racks, using electrical accessories, and using 4-wheel drive reduce
fuel economy.
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Vehicle maintenance
can affect fuel economy. Test vehicles are typically in optimum condition.
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Fuels vary in
energy content. Oxygenated and reformulated gasoline contains less
energy per volume, and gasoline composition varies seasonally.
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Small differences
due to vehicle manufacturing and assembling can cause differences
in fuel economy.
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New vehicles don’t
attain maximum fuel economy until they’re “broken in,”
usually around 3-5 thousand miles.
More
information…
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