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How many miles can you drive on one gallon of gasoline?

I’m trying to save on fuel, and I’m worried that I’m not getting enough out of a full tank. In general, how many miles can you drive on a gallon of gasoline?

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Maxine Boyko · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In most cases, a gallon of gasoline should get you 20 to 30 miles, or an average of 25 miles to a gallon.
But there are several internal factors that can affect a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, including the following:
Oil type changes the friction in your engine and can change your gas mileage by up to 12%. Maintenance can affect vehicle performance, thereby lowering or increasing gas mileage. A clogged air filter, for example, leads to higher fuel consumption. Tire or alignment issues can cause excess strain on your vehicle and lower your fuel economy. A properly aligned car with adequately inflated tires will have better gas mileage than a car with worn-out tires.
Your driving habits also affect fuel economy, including braking or accelerating quickly, speeding, towing a trailer, or driving in the wrong gear. Winter idling also wastes massive amounts of fuel.
The traveling environment also impacts your vehicle’s fuel economy. Driving on hills and mountainous terrain, road conditions (such as stop-and-go city traffic or highway driving), and weather conditions (like high winds or snow) also waste or save gas.
The bottom line: It’s safe to assume that under a variety of circumstances, one gallon of gasoline allows you to drive between 20 to 30 miles. Keep in mind, however, that driving on empty is not recommended and you should avoid letting your fuel level drop below a quarter of a tank.
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