Date:         Sat, 22 May 2004 20:23:43 -0400
Reply-To:     David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject:      Re: Gas Mileage
In-Reply-To:  <000001c43f4f$a9d52160$0200a8c0@Home>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Fri, 21 May 2004, Jason Kirk wrote:

> I can't currently calculate my MPG due to a broken odometer. My question
> is this: Who the hell cares? Does all of this calculation and discussion
> of driving habits make any difference? You get however many miles you
> get out a gallon of gas on a given day or in a given traffic situation.
> Period. You fill up. You Drive. You fill up again when needed. Simple.

Well, here are my reasons for keeping track:

- I'm a geek.  I like numbers.
- If I see a decline in gas milage with no obvious explanation, I know
  that something's probably wrong -- the engine needs attention, a
  brake is dragging, etc.
- I can experiment and see how my driving style affects fuel economy.
  When gas gets expensive, this can become a way to save money.
- Knowing what kin do fuel economy I get helps with budgeting for
  trips and planning fuel stops.  What I get is almost never the same
  as the EPA number.


David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon
'82 VW Vanagon Westfalia Diesel