About Federal Gas Mileage Ratings
The federal government publishes fuel efficiency ratings for most cars that allow consumers to consider factors such as the environmental and fuel costs of a vehicle. However, the federal ratings do have factors that limit their accuracy.
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Identification
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The Energy Policy Act requires that the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy publish verified gas mileage ratings for all cars. A gas mileage rating is an average of how many miles a car can travel on a gallon of gas.
Function
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Understanding federal gas mileage ratings helps you make better financial decisions before upgrading or buying a new car. Greater fuel efficiency means less fuel costs and lessens dependence on foreign oil, according to FuelEconomy.
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Your Rating
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The government has a database for mileage ratings for all cars since 1986 at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm.
Considerations
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The federal gas mileage ratings are to be taken as only a guide. External factors such as your location, the current condition of your car and how you drive will affect your true fuel efficiency, according to FuelEconomy.
Fun Fact
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In 2007, the hydrogen-powered PAC-Car II achieved a record 12,666 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating at the Shell Eco-Marathon in Ladoux, France, according to FuelEconomy.
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