Accuracy of MPG displays?
I know I've seen somewhere on the forums about the accuracy of the onboard MPG calculators in cars, but can't locate it right now.
Seems that they have an error of +/- 7% as I remember...is that right? My '07 Camry has an electronic MPG calculator, and I will be starting a gas log to compare to it. Just wondering if anyone here has had any real world experience as to how close these onboard displays are? Thanks! |
Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
It varies heavily from one vehicle to the next.
It's definitely worth keeping a gas log, regardless of an onboard MPG display. You get all the data, it gets put on a graph for you, you get to keep other notes (like maintenance), and it becomes easy to track and compare. |
Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
On my wife's Buick, it's consistently 8% too low and we always use more fuel than shown on the display.
-BC |
Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
Tire size can play a large role in accuracy. Even if the gauge was accurate to start with, a slightly different tire from stock will reduce it's accuracy. In fact, I imagine new deep tread tires to very worn out tires would have an effect.
I like that my gauge can be adjusted manually. (MPGUINO) That's really the only way to get close. B |
Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
My Audi's display will occasionally show over 200mpg while decellerating/coasting downhill...I've always found that kinda funny.
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Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
It's probably indicating DFCO.
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Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
Quote:
Then I pay dearly going back up later...(no need to discuss that...haha) |
Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
agreed, depends on the car, the method they/you're using to read it, calculate it, and display it. check yours at the pump a few times to figure out the margin for error and how to correct for inaccuracy.
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Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
My guess is that most factory-installed MPG displays cannot be calibrated. My 99 4runner doesn't have one but I put in an Ultra-Gauge (which is similar to the Scangauge in that it gets info from the OBDII port and calculates MPG.) I had to calibrate it a couple of times (first for distance and then for MPG) but now it's dead on, less than 1/10 MPG different from my hand calculations.
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Re: Accuracy of MPG displays?
They do vary a lot as Holycow said.
The one I have in my GM variant is accurate as hand computing and shows down to 0.1 ltr/100 klm. I had a free (under warranty) upgrade of the electronic unit which makes the actual calculations but it seemed to be just as accurate before as after. Peter. |
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