DennisStehlik

I keep records of my fillups and miles. On a trip from Chicago to Columbus Georgia I recorded these numbers on 3 consecutive fillups

MPG= 27.003, 29.585, 27.773
Miles= 402, 548, 167
Gallons= 14.887, 18.523, 6.013
ODM= 211835, 212383, 212550
Calculated gal left in tank= 7.113, 3.477,15.987
Miles left to empty= 192.1, 102.9,444.0

I will say this was very good performance. Overall mpg since I started keeping records about 2 years ago is 24.4664562 (like you need that decimal precision

Use this car for mostly highway trips. In town driving is about 20 to 22.

austinado16

We've got a hop to Sacramento to do in December and other than a couple steep grades as I leave here, that's all dead flat. I'm going to check the mileage right as we arrive, and before we start doing any around town.

DennisStehlik

Yes, a Front Wheel drive A6, 1996 Avant.

austinado16

I wonder if the Avant is capable of better mileage due to the roofline? Like a pickup truck w/ shell

Melinko bq

I partially agree, but that is not what I was arguing, rather what I MEANT to argue... =) It can be reducible to 'mu', but only because 'mu' is ever-changing in these conditions. A tire rolling across the road is not kinetic, a tire SLIDING across the road is... With ABS off on a frozen lake, I would wager similar tires in various widths on same car to stop within feet of each other at similar start speed.

Of course, this is cheating...as temperature is not the only effect, and the partial deformation / mating of rubber w/ cement plays an effect, as well as others - esp on dirt and snow. Rubber vs road would likely amplify the effect of 'mu' at various widths, and would indeed play an even bigger role if ABS is introduced - which the cars in question have.

I mostly aim to add to the comment that 'with max pressure, you have less traction', because, while there may be a measurable difference, the difference could be measured with a 12" ruler at driving speeds on pavement. So, for a road trip with family (which case I will likely drive with stopping distance much greater than 12" in mind) in the summertime, mileage and max pressure will suit me. In the winter, when traction is high and gas is well worth the expense of safety, below recommendation I go.

Anyway, thanks for keeping me honest here.

And I wish it would snow already here... I'm sick of 1" and melt by noon... I'm ready for the 2+ ft already. (Colorado Springs)

- Chris