The driving range in a car is an approximate of how far you can travel calculated by the car’s computer, based on several factors.
The trip computer in our car keeps track of our average fuel consumption. This number changes depending on how we drive, so it can tell us how far we can go with the gas we have in our fuel tank.
This article will explain what range mean in a car, how it’s used, and how to increase the range of the car. Let’s dive into it!
What Does Range Mean In a Car?
Range in a car is an estimation of the maximum distance a car can travel on a single tank of gas or charge of electricity before it needs to refuel or recharge. The car can calculate the approximate distance the car can travel based on the MPG and car’s amount of fuel in the fuel tank.
Calculating Fuel Usage Into Range
Nowadays, most cars can calculate the range that the vehicle can travel until the fuel tank is empty. The car’s fuel range on a full tank of gas will usually be listed in the car’s manual.
It’s essential to check your range when driving to avoid getting too low on gas.
Cars made in 2000 or newer have a warning system that tells the driver when there is only a specific amount of gas left before running out of fuel.
This is helpful, but you should still keep an eye on the range yourself.
Remember, fuel range and mpg (miles per gallon) are directly related. If your car tells you that there are 250 miles of range, that’s an estimation of how far you can travel before you need to refuel.
How the Range Function Works
The range meter on the dashboard calculates the approximate range a car’s engine can drive based on the car’s fuel usage and the amount of gas left in the fuel tank.
The car has a computer that calculates your fuel usage based on your driving style and how much fuel the car is using.
The computer can with what information calculate based on how much fuel it is left, how much range the car has until there is no more gas left.
How to Increase the Range In a Car
You can maximize your range by ensuring you have the proper octane level of fuel, carrying only the essentials in your vehicle, and using only necessary electrical accessories together with a few other tips.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’ll be able to make it to your destination without running out of gas. Here’s how to increase the range in a car:
1. Chose the Right Octane Fuel
Fuel octane level is the measure of how much compression the fuel can withstand before detonating inside the cylinder. The higher the octane number, the less likely it is to detonate prematurely.
Using premium gas is more likely to increase the range in a car.
2. Travel Light
The heavier your car, the more energy it takes to move it. So if you’re packing for a road trip, try to travel light to increase the mileage.
Every 100 pounds of weight you can take out of your car will improve range by about 2%.
Traveling light with help increase the range in a car.
3. Turn off the Air Conditioning
The range in a car will also be affected by the air conditioning. Don’t use the air conditioning, or at least, use it sparingly to increase the mileage.
Air conditioning is a significant range-sapper in any car, especially in an electric vehicle.
The Department of Energy estimates that turning on your air conditioner can decrease range by 25%. So unless it’s a scorching day, try to keep the air conditioning off.
If you need to use it, set it to “recirculate” so it isn’t pulling in hot outside air.
4. Don’t Speed
When driving your car, try to keep your speed under 60 mph. You’ll use less energy this way, and it will also save you from getting a speeding ticket.
If your car has an “Eco” mode, you should use it for more gentle acceleration. If your car has a sports mode that makes it go faster, you should avoid using it to increase the car’s range.
5. Control the Tires Air Pressure
You should check the air pressure in your car’s tires often. This is important because if they are not inflated correctly, they will use more energy to drive, also leading to uneven tread wear on the tires.
The correct air pressure for your car is usually written on a sticker near the driver’s door.
6. Don’t Over-Accelerate
When you drive your car, try to drive smoothly.
This means that you shouldn’t accelerate quickly because this will use up your fuel or battery more quickly and decrease the range of the car.
7. Drive an Efficient Route
When you are driving your car, it is best to find the fastest and easiest way to get there.
To help maximize the range of the car, avoid areas where traffic is heavy or hilly so that your car does not use more energy than necessary.
If your car has a navigation system that can help you avoid driving unnecessary long routes, use it!
8. Use Cruise Control
If your car has cruise control, use it! Maintaining a consistent speed uses less energy than accelerating and then braking over and over again.
Cruise control can increase the range in a car.
Range When Buying a Car
When choosing a car, range is an important factor to keep in mind. You’ll want to make sure that the car you choose can meet your needs in terms of distance travelled.
Research is key before making any purchase – make sure to verify the range (and other specifications) of the car you’re interested in to avoid any surprises down the road.
Most cars have range or MPG (miles per gallon) information readily available, often located in the owners manual. If you’re considering an electric car, range is especially important to pay attention to as electric powered cars typically have shorter ranges than gasoline-powered cars.
