why do you get more mpg on the hwy than on the streets?

Answer 1

Your vehicles engine is more efficient when running at a constant speed. Also, the transmission in your car is geared so that the engine runs at a lower rpm at highway speeds. Lower rpm = lower fuel consumption.

Answer 2

You get more mpg on the highway than on the streets because your car is in a higher gear. The higher gear your car is in, the more efficient it is. Cars are least efficient in first gear, so whenever you have to stop and start a lot (like in the city), you're getting terrible mpg.

Also, lower speeds are more fuel efficient than higher speeds in the same gear. So driving 55 mph will get you more mpg than driving 80 mph. The original reason for the instatement of a highway speed limit was for gas conversation.

From pbs.org: "The national speed limit was originally intended to save fuel, not lives. In the early 70's, an Arab oil embargo created a serious gasoline shortage in the United States. In 1973, the 55 mile an hour speed limit was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, and later endorsed by President Carter, who touted improved safety, as well as fuel economy."

Lastly, an interesting exception is in the case of hybrid vehicles. Because of the way they utilize electric power at low speeds and stops and starts, they are actually MORE efficient in the city than on the highway.

One last interesting

Answer 3

Because the car runs more efficiently when you're driving at a consistent rate of speed. Did you also know that cruise control significanly increases gas efficiency as well, because of the same principle? Just don't use CC in the rain, though. That's because the car can accelerate when it hits a patch of water to compensate for the friction and you could hydroplane. I just learned that this year, although I can remember it happened many years ago...but aside from that one time, it never happened but just be safe. Okay, I've said enough

Answer 4

Well you know you are continuosly driving on the highway, with no stopping or starting from a dead stop. That is why you get more miles from highway driving. Driving around a town or city, you use alot of gas starting, stopping, braking and moving slow.