Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake I see people make with the Real World MPG Calculator is not using it to its full potential. Too many just plug in their car's specs and call it a day, but that's only scratching the surface. The real power is in the customization. You need to dial in your actual driving habits - things like your typical speed, how much stop-and-go traffic you hit, even your A/C usage. That's what's going to give you the most accurate real-world estimate, not just the EPA numbers.
How to Avoid Them
When you use the Real World Mpg Calculator, i live in Los Angeles, so I know firsthand how much that can impact your mileage. And don't forget to update the calculator as your driving conditions change. If you switch jobs and now have a longer commute, or if you move to a new city, that's going to affect your MPG.
