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How accurate are car trip computers?

I want to calculate how much gas my next road trip will use, but I’m not sure if the computer mileage readings are actually accurate or not. How accurate are car trip computer readings?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unfortunately, car trip computers are not always accurate. On average, a car’s reported miles per gallon (mpg) will be between 10 and 15% better than its actual mpg.
However, your trip odometer reading should be accurate, so you can use that value to
determine your car’s mileage
yourself.
To find your car’s actual mileage per gallon, zero the trip odometer the next time you fill up your gas tank. Then, drive your car for a while. When you refill your gas tank, fill it all the way and note the number of gallons you put in your car. Use the miles on the trip odometer and the number of gallons of gas you use to calculate your car’s actual mileage.
If you’re going on a road trip, make sure that you’re protected by a good car insurance policy. That’s when
Jerry
can help!
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