Drivers should not rely heavily on in-dash fuel economy displays, according to the AAA.
The organization tested the accuracy of the displays, which estimate the number of miles a vehicle gets per gallon, including how many “miles to empty”.
The study found that such estimates vary significantly over shorter trips or are dependent on the consistency of factors that affect gas mileage like speed and acceleration.
“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.”
To avoid running out of gas, AAA recommends drivers watch their gas gauge and fill up when it reaches a quarter of a tank.
