Gas prices are up
by Rocket FinanceJust a quick post from the hotel – We are on a trip this weekend that will require us to drive close to 3,000 miles. Our mini-van averages approximately 20 miles per gallon. I don’t want to think about this any more. You can figure out the rest at home if you like.
Actually, since I am a glutton for punishment, I will be keeping track of our gas mileage this trip. My main purpose is to find out if there is a MPG difference between regular unleaded and the mid-grade unleaded. I’ll let you know how that goes.
I also plan to practice my hypermiling skills and introduce my wife to that fine art.
I am considering the purchase of a MPG Meter . . . I’m a sucker for gadgets.
The reality is that the only way we are really saving any cash is with a cash back gas credit card. Our cash back card of choice is the Chase Freedom Card, but I am considering a switch to the Chase Perfect Mastercard.
See you in Wisconsin!
2 Responses to “Gas prices are up”
By Deamiter on Jul 11, 2008 | Reply
Hey have fun!
I should point out a couple points about your regular vs. mid-grade test. First of all, you might want to do regular vs. premium as the effect should be small to non-existent as far as I’ve heard.
Anyway, I’d suggest going one way on regular and one way on a higher grade to avoid dilution (I assume you already thought of this). The problem with that is that you’re likely to hit more headwind going one way than the other — a little headwind will have a MUCH stronger effect on MPG than any engine effects at 70 mph — especially in a minivan. Also consider the change in elevation going in either direction, it won’t have a huge effect in the midwest, but it could be enough to wash out any mpg difference.
Finally, perhaps you should try to get gas of only one brand — I’ve heard a lot about differences in brands of gas and while I’ve never seen any evidence for it, again, small differences in composition could easily wash out any effects from the type of gas.
Again, have a great trip and forgive this scientist for obsessing over details!
By rocketc on Jul 11, 2008 | Reply
Yes, I have thought of many potential problems with my test. . . also the trip from Denver is mostly downhill. . . I did mid-grade all the way out and will try to do regular all the way back. The results of my test will hardly be scientific, but hopefully I’ll get a post out of it.
or, I could say that the results of my test will be as scientific as the IPCC report. . . just kidding! 🙂