Hi Guys:
___Here is how EPA estimates are obtained as shown in the
EPA’s fuel economy FAQ:
Quote:
The fuel economy estimates are based on results of tests required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These tests are used to certify that vehicles meet the Federal emissions and fuel economy standards. Manufacturers test pre-production prototypes of the new vehicle models and submit the test results to EPA. EPA re-tests about 10% of vehicle models to confirm manufacturer's results. The vehicles are driven by a professional driver under controlled laboratory conditions, on an instrument similar to a treadmill. These procedures ensure that each vehicle is tested under identical conditions; therefore, the results can be compared with confidence.
There are two different fuel economy estimates for each vehicle in the Fuel Economy Guide, one for city driving and one for highway driving. To generate these two estimates, separate tests are used to represent typical everyday driving in a city and in a rural setting. Two kinds of engine starts are used: the cold start, which is similar to starting a car in the morning after it has been parked all night; and the hot start, similar to restarting a vehicle after it has been warmed up, driven, and stopped for a short time.
The test used to determine the city fuel economy estimate simulates an 11-mile, stop-and-go trip with an average speed of 20 miles per hour (mph). The trip takes 31 minutes and has 23 stops. About 18 percent of the time is spent idling, as in waiting at traffic lights or in rush hour traffic. The maximum speed is 56 mph. The engine is initially started after being parked overnight. Vehicles are tested at 68 F to 86 F ambient temperature.
The test to determine the highway fuel economy estimate represents a mixture of "non-city" driving. Segments corresponding to different kinds of rural roads and interstate highways are included. The test simulates a 10-mile trip and averages 48 mph. The maximum speed is 60 mph. The test is run with the engine warmed up and has little idling time and no stops (except at the end of the test).
NOTE: To make the numbers in the Fuel Economy Guide more useful for consumers, EPA adjusts these laboratory test results to account for the difference between controlled laboratory conditions and actual driving on the road. The laboratory fuel economy results are adjusted downward to arrive at the estimates in the Fuel Economy Guide and on the labels seen on new cars, light trucks, and vans. The city estimate is lowered by 10% and the highway estimate by 22% from the laboratory test results. Experience has proven that these adjustments make the mileage estimates in the Fuel Economy Guide correspond more closely to the actual fuel economy realized by the average driver.
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___As for oil, Mobil1 0W-20 Trisyn for our babies … It has one of the lowest kinematic viscosities of recommended oil at both 0 and 100 degrees C yet still offers better overall protection for the internals then regular 0W-20, 5W-20, or 5W-30. Neither 0W-20 nor 5W-20 are regular weight oils however
___Jason, here is a tip for you in regards to your circumference question … Go out and measure your Integrity’s radius or diameter at 35 #’s. Now press up your Integrity’s to 44, 47, 50 or however many #’s you plan on using. Measure your tires radius or diameter again. There isn’t a measurable difference …
___Tmrpro, the FCD’s display is at first captivating. After a while, it becomes educational. After that, it becomes simply a tool to an end. I haven’t advanced much beyond the tool stage but you will find that driving with load is best described by attempting to keep the FCD locked in on a particular mpg, not road speed. Traffic conditions always dictate your fuel conserving abilities and available techniques. Even in traffic however, you have some leeway and with that, you can beat the EPA estimates by a healthy margin in almost anything. It does take a bit of patience however because you won’t be beating the EPA estimates by traveling at 65 - 75
mph tank over tank over tank more then likely … Might I add that you really have to be careful with the game gauges as they can be quite hazardous as well. Once it teaches you your own fuel conserving technique(s), you will find that you have to glance at it less and less …
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___
Waynegerdes@earthlink.net