Fuel Cost & Road Trip Calculator

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Fuel efficiency

Fuel price

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Passengers (optional)

Round trip?

Fuel needed

Total fuel cost

Cost per passenger

⛽ Save Money on Fuel:

Understanding Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency measures how far your vehicle can travel per unit of fuel. Different regions use different standards: L/100km (metric) shows liters needed per 100 kilometers, while MPG (imperial) shows miles traveled per gallon. Lower L/100km or higher MPG means better efficiency and lower fuel costs.

Fuel Efficiency Standards by Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type	L/100km (Metric)	MPG (Imperial)	Category
Hybrid/Electric	3-5 L/100km	47-78 MPG	Excellent
Compact Car	5-7 L/100km	34-47 MPG	Very Good
Mid-Size Sedan	7-9 L/100km	26-34 MPG	Good
SUV/Crossover	9-12 L/100km	20-26 MPG	Average
Pickup Truck	11-14 L/100km	17-21 MPG	Below Average
Sports/Luxury Car	12-18 L/100km	13-20 MPG	Poor

Factors That Affect Fuel Consumption

Factor	Impact	Potential Savings	Action
Tire Pressure	High	~3%	Check monthly
Driving Speed	Very High	~7-14%	Drive 80 vs 100 km/h
Aggressive Driving	Very High	~15-30%	Smooth acceleration
Excess Weight	Medium	~1-2% per 100lbs	Remove unnecessary items
Roof Cargo	Medium	~2-8%	Remove when not needed
Air Conditioning	Medium	~3-4%	Use moderately
Idling	Medium	Wastes fuel	Turn off if >60 sec
Engine Maintenance	High	~4-40%	Regular servicing

Eco-Driving Techniques

🚗 Smooth Driving

Accelerate gradually
Anticipate traffic flow
Coast to slow down
Maintain steady speed
Saves up to 15-30%

⚙️ Vehicle Maintenance

Change oil regularly
Replace air filters
Keep tires aligned
Use recommended oil
Saves up to 4-40%

🛣️ Route Planning

Avoid rush hours
Combine multiple trips
Use GPS for efficiency
Plan shortest routes
Reduces overall distance

What Affects Fuel Prices?

🛢️ Crude Oil Prices:

Global oil prices account for ~50-60% of fuel costs. OPEC decisions, geopolitical events, and supply disruptions directly impact prices at the pump.

🏭 Refining Costs:

Converting crude oil to gasoline adds ~15-25% to cost. Different fuel grades (regular, premium) require different refining processes. Seasonal blends (summer/winter) also affect prices.

🚚 Distribution & Marketing:

Transportation to gas stations, storage, and profit margins add ~10-15%. Remote locations typically have higher prices due to transportation costs.

💰 Taxes:

Government taxes (federal, state, local) account for ~15-30% of fuel price. Varies significantly by country and region. Some governments subsidize fuel to keep prices low.

Alternative Transportation Options

Option	Cost vs. Driving	Best For	Considerations
Carpooling	50-75% cheaper	Commutes, long trips	Split costs, flexible schedule
Public Transit	60-80% cheaper	Urban areas, daily use	Fixed routes/schedules
Bicycle	90-95% cheaper	Short distances (<10km)	Health benefits, weather
Electric Vehicle	50-70% cheaper	All uses	High upfront cost
Train/Bus (Long)	30-50% cheaper	Intercity travel	Less flexible, can relax

Fuel-Saving Tips

Drive at steady speeds: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking. Every mph over 50 reduces fuel economy by ~1-2%.
Keep tires properly inflated: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check pressure monthly - can improve efficiency by ~3%.
Remove unnecessary weight: Every 100 lbs reduces fuel economy by ~1-2%. Clean out your trunk and remove roof racks when not needed.
Use cruise control on highways: Maintains consistent speed, reducing fuel consumption by avoiding speed variations.
Combine trips and plan routes: Several short trips starting with a cold engine use more fuel. Plan errands together and avoid rush hour traffic.
Avoid excessive idling: Modern engines don't need long warm-ups. Turn off engine if stopped for more than 60 seconds.
Regular maintenance: Keep air filters clean, oil changed, and spark plugs fresh. A poorly maintained engine can use up to 40% more fuel.
Use the right fuel grade: Use the octane level recommended in your owner's manual. Premium fuel in a regular engine won't improve performance.

Real-World Fuel Cost Examples

Example 1: Daily Commute

40 km/day × 20 workdays = 800 km/month

Car: 8 L/100km, Fuel: $1.50/L → Monthly cost: $96

💡 Carpooling with 2 people = $48/person (50% savings!)

Example 2: Road Trip

500 km one-way (1000 km round trip)

SUV: 10 L/100km, Fuel: $1.50/L → Trip cost: $150

💡 With 4 passengers = $37.50/person

Travel Tools: Universal Unit Converter • Discount & Sale Price Calculator

⚠️ Disclaimer: Fuel costs vary by location, season, and market conditions. This calculator provides estimates based on your inputs. Actual consumption may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving style. Always verify current fuel prices before your trip.