How Can I Find out the Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency Rating Using the VIN?

What is Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Rating?

Vehicle fuel efficiency rating is a measure used to compare the fuel economy of different vehicle models. It is the measurement of the number of miles a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. The EPA rates the fuel economy of all new vehicles sold in the US, using lab tests designed to simulate real-world driving conditions. The EPA also creates a combined fuel economy rating which is an average of city and highway driving, with city driving contributing 55% of the score and highway driving contributing 45%. The EPA ratings provide a way for drivers to compare vehicles side-by-side and make an informed decision when selecting a new vehicle.

What are the Different Methods of Calculating Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Rating?

1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN helps to calculate vehicle fuel efficiency rating by providing a unique 17-digit code that identifies the vehicle and its key characteristics. To calculate the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating, you can decode the VIN using a VIN Decoder. This will reveal information about the car, such as its country of origin, manufacturer, model year, engine type, transmission type, and more.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Locate the VIN – it’s typically found on the dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side door jamb, or under the hood.

Use a VIN Decoder tool to decode the VIN – many online marketplaces for cars require sellers to post the VIN for buyers to check the vehicle’s history.

Check the vehicle title, registration, and insurance documents for the VIN – these documents should all contain the VIN.

Decode the VIN – the numerals and letters in the VIN code reveal important information about the car, such as its make and model, certain features, and more.

Use the information in the VIN to determine the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating – based on the engine type and size, transmission type, and other features disclosed in the VIN, you can get an approximation of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating.

2. Mileage Label

Mileage labels can have a significant impact on the calculation of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. By providing easily accessible and transparent information about a vehicle’s emissions and energy economy, consumers are better able to compare the fuel efficiency of different cars. This makes it easier to select a low-emission, energy efficient vehicle that is better for the environment and more cost effective in the long term. The Energy Efficiency (Vehicle Fuel Economy Labelling) Regulations 2007 requires motor vehicle traders to print labels to display on vehicles for sale, as well as providing emissions, energy economy, and Clean Car Discount information on websites offering vehicles for sale. Additionally, these labels provide an estimation of an automobile’s annual energy consumption cost, which can help consumers make an informed decision about their purchase. Ultimately, having access to these labels allows consumers to make an informed, cost-effective decision when shopping for a car.

3. EPA Fuel Economy Rating

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculates the fuel efficiency of a vehicle by testing the vehicle’s performance in both city and highway driving conditions. The city driving test simulates a stop-and-go driving style, while the highway driving test simulates a steady-speed driving style. The EPA’s tests also factor in the use of air conditioning, cold temperatures, and hilly terrain. The vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating is then determined by taking the average of the vehicle’s city and highway performance ratings.

To calculate the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating, the EPA first runs the vehicle through a standardized city driving test. This test simulates the kind of stop-and-go driving style commonly used in urban areas. The vehicle’s average speed is measured, and its fuel consumption is also measured. The EPA then runs the vehicle through a standardized highway driving test. This test simulates a steady-speed driving style common on highways. The vehicle’s average speed is again measured, as well as its fuel consumption.

The EPA then takes the average of the city and highway driving tests to determine the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. This rating is then displayed on the vehicle’s window sticker. To make sure that all vehicles are tested using the same conditions, the EPA also factors in the use of air conditioning, cold temperatures, and hilly terrain when calculating the fuel efficiency rating.

By using these tests, the EPA is able to provide a reliable fuel efficiency rating that can be used as a level playing field comparator at buying time. This helps to ensure that drivers are able to make informed decisions based on accurate data.

4. DataOne Vehicle Identification Number (VID)

Step 1: Identify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN is a unique, 17-digit code used to identify a vehicle. This code contains information about the vehicle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type.

Step 2: Use the VIN to Determine the Vehicle’s Specifications

Using the VIN, the vehicle’s characteristics and specifications can be determined. These include the transmission type, engine type and size, and other important details. This information can be used to calculate the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating.

Step 3: Convert the VIN to a DataOne VehicleID

DataOne VehicleID is a bridge between the DataOne VehicleID and the corresponding valuation provider’s VehicleID. This helps provide a seamless transition between the vehicle’s descriptions and the valuation provider’s data.

Step 4: Calculate the Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

Once the VIN has been converted to a DataOne VehicleID, the vehicle’s fuel efficiency can be accurately calculated. This is done by comparing the vehicle’s specifications to standardized fuel efficiency ratings for similar vehicles.

Step 5: Utilize Third-Party Data Mapping

Data mapping to third-party standards can be important for calculating a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. This data can provide unbiased ratings and awards that will add additional value to the vehicle’s display and inventory marketing efforts.

Step 6: Using the Vehicle Valuation Mapping Product

DataOne offers a vehicle valuation mapping product that can be used to deliver a bridge between the DataOne VehicleID and the corresponding valuation provider’s VehicleID. This helps provide a seamless transition between the vehicle’s descriptions and the valuation provider’s data, which can be used to calculate the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating.

5. Manufacturer Specifications

Fuel efficiency rating is a measure of how fuel-efficient a vehicle is over a distance of 100 kilometres. To calculate a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating, the manufacturer will first measure the vehicle’s fuel consumption over a determined distance. The distance is usually 100 kilometres. The manufacturer will then measure the amount of fuel consumed over that distance and compare it to the average fuel consumption of similar vehicles. The result of this comparison is the fuel efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle is.

6. Vehicle Testing Results

Step 1: Understand the Different Tests Involved

The vehicle testing results for calculating vehicle fuel efficiency rating involve two main tests: the Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET) and the US06 Highway Test. These tests simulate highway conditions on a dynamometer and measure the amount of carbon in the exhaust to determine the amount of fuel burned.

Step 2: Collect the Test Data

The test data used to determine fuel economy estimates is derived from vehicle testing done at EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and from vehicle manufacturers who submit their own test data to EPA.

Step 3: Evaluate the Test Results

EPA provides fuel economy data to the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so that they can administer their fuel economy-related programs. DOE publishes fuel economy label values in the annual Fuel Economy Guide. DOT receives the manufacturers’ fleet average fuel economy from EPA, and determines if manufacturers are complying with the federal corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. EPA provides IRS with the fuel economy data for vehicles which may be subject to the Gas Guzzler tax penalty.

Step 4: Check for Revisions to Fuel Economy Label Estimates

EPA requires auto manufacturers to change or update their MPG (miles per gallon) values on fuel economy labels (window stickers) if information comes to light that show that the values are too high. You can check for revisions to fuel economy label estimates online.

Step 5: Access the Test Car List Data

Finally, you can access the test car list data for the most recent model year to see the exact specifications for each vehicle tested. The data is available for free in a variety of formats, such as csv, xlsx, and pdf.

7. Fuel Economy Maps

Step 1: Gather all the necessary information to calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. This includes the vehicle’s make and model, year, engine size, fuel type, and any other relevant information. You will also need to obtain the EPA Fuel Economy ratings for the specific model and year of your vehicle.

Step 2: Once you have all the relevant information, you can use the Fuel Economy Map to calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency ratings. The map will display the MPG (Miles Per Gallon) value for each model and year of your vehicle. The MPG value for various engine sizes will be indicated as well.

Step 3: To calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating, you will need to determine the average fuel economy for all the engine sizes indicated on the Fuel Economy Map. To do this, add up the MPG values for each engine size and divide this total by the total number of engine sizes. This will give you the average MPG value for your vehicle.

Step 4: Finally, you can calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating by multiplying the MPG value by the number of miles you typically drive in a year. This will give you the total number of miles driven in a year using the average fuel economy. You can then divide this total by the total number of gallons of fuel used in a year to get your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating.

Example:

Let’s say you have a 2018 Honda Civic with a 2.0L engine and you typically drive 12,000 miles per year. You can use the Fuel Economy Map to determine the MPG value for this specific model and year of the Honda Civic, which is 30 MPG. You can then calculate your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating by multiplying the MPG value (30) by the number of miles driven in a year (12,000) to get a total of 360,000 miles. You can then divide this total by the total number of gallons of fuel used in a year to get your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. In this case, if you used 400 gallons of fuel in a year, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating would be 900 MPG.

8. Vehicle Databases

Vehicle databases provide invaluable data that helps to accurately calculate vehicle fuel efficiency ratings. This data includes information such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN, as well as detailed descriptions of the vehicle. By providing this information, vehicle databases allow businesses to easily access data related to fuel efficiency standards that are established by public and private organizations. Furthermore, mapping to third-party standards can be used to display vehicle ratings and awards to add value to vehicle display and marketing efforts. In addition, data from vehicle databases can be used to calculate NHTSA recalls for a vehicle since 1981, which can create business opportunities for dealers looking to capture associated service revenue. Thus, vehicle databases play a vital role in the calculation of vehicle fuel efficiency ratings.

9. Cruising Speed

Cruising speed is one of the most important factors affecting a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. When driving on a highway, the speed is usually more consistent than city traffic, and the vehicle is able to maintain a steady speed and use less fuel than if it had to accelerate and decelerate constantly. The EPA’s Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET), which is used to determine highway gas mileage ratings, simulates typical highway driving conditions with an average speed of 48.3 mph and acceleration and braking over a distance of 10.26 miles. Therefore, the slower one is able to maintain a consistent speed while driving on the highway, the higher the fuel efficiency rating of their vehicle will be.

10. Driving Conditions

When it comes to calculating a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating, there are a number of driving conditions that can affect the results. The EPA uses a lab test that simulates highway conditions on a dynamometer, which allows for specific operational cycles that mimic real driving. This is known as the Highway Fuel Economy Driving Schedule (HWFET). It takes about 13 minutes to run and calls for acceleration and braking across a distance of 10.26 miles. Additionally, the “high speed” test (US06) also takes about 10 minutes and includes accelerations and slow-downs, with a top speed of up to 80 mph. The EPA also uses an average of city and highway driving, with city driving contributing 55% of the score and highway driving 45%.

Apart from EPA tests, other driving conditions that can affect fuel efficiency include hilly terrain, use of air conditioning, more aggressive driving, and colder than average temperatures. It is important to remember that the EPA’s numbers are intended to be used as a level playing field comparator when buying a car, and not necessarily a reflection of the exact real world experience of most drivers.

How to Find Out the Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency Rating Using the VIN?

Step 1: Research the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating

Step 1: Gather the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle you wish to research the fuel efficiency rating for. This number can usually be found printed on the inside of the driver side door or the dashboard near the windshield.

Step 2: Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website to use their VIN-referenced EPA Fuel Economy ratings. Enter the VIN number into the provided search box.

Step 3: Review the information presented on the results page. The EPA website should provide an overall rating for the vehicle as well as a breakdown of estimated MPG for city and highway driving.

Step 4: Compare the EPA rating with what you have experienced in the real world. Factors such as terrain, air conditioning use, driving style, and temperature can all affect fuel efficiency.

Step 5: Research other fuel efficiency ratings to compare with the EPA VIN-referenced rating. Websites such as Car Buying Travel and Fuel Economy can provide additional ratings and information.

Step 2: Check if the vehicle is eligible for the Vin test

Requirements for taking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) test:

Obtain the VIN of the vehicle you are interested in purchasing. This can be done by standing outside the vehicle and checking the driver’s side dashboard, opening the driver door and looking for a sticker on the door jamb, or looking for the VIN on the vehicle’s title, insurance documents, and proof of registration.

Visit VINCheck.info, a free online VIN lookup service.

Enter the VIN into the search bar.

Verify that the VIN is legitimate by checking for letters O, I, and Q, or o, i and q, in lower case. Replace any necessary digits and try again if any of these letters are present.

Double check the VIN to make sure it is 17-digits-long.

The VIN lookup will search reliable sources of vehicle data, including government agencies, auto industry, and insurance companies, to check if the vehicle has any open recalls.

If your vehicle is part of Kia’s Reimbursement Program, you can use VINCheck.info’s free license plate lookup to get the same results as a free VIN check.

After verifying that the information provided is accurate, press “FINISH” to submit your VIN test and receive your vehicle history report.

Step 3: Find out where you can take the Vin test

To find out the fuel efficiency rating of a vehicle, you need to take a VIN test. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

Stand outside the vehicle and check the driver’s side dashboard. Or, open the driver door and look for a sticker on the door jamb. You can also find the VIN written on the vehicle’s title, insurance documents, and proof of registration.

Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA’s VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN.

Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the fuel efficiency rating of the searched vehicle.

If you have further questions regarding this information, please contact the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, more information may be available on a label affixed to the vehicle.

Step 4: Get an appointment online or call up

If you would like to find out the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating using the Vin, you can get an appointment online or call the DMV. To make an appointment online, go to the DMV website and select the “Schedule Service” option. Enter your First Name, Last Name, E-Mail Address, Phone Number, and Zip Code. Then, choose the “Test Drive” option and select your preferred Date and Time. Click the “Make Appointment” button to complete the process. To call the DMV, you can use the “Contact Us” section to find the local office phone number and contact them directly.

Step 5: Go to the testing center in person and complete the Vin test

Step 1: Locate the VIN on the vehicle. It should be located on the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle, the door jamb on the driver’s side, or under the hood of the car.

Step 2: Visit the testing center in person. The testing center should have all the necessary equipment to conduct your VIN test.

Step 3: Provide the relevant information to the testing center. You will need your vehicle’s VIN, your customer ID, and your claim ID.

Step 4: The testing center will then run the VIN test. This will include a variety of tests, such as checking for recalls, verifying the vehicle’s history, and more.

Step 5: Once the test is complete, the testing center will provide you with a detailed report of the results. If any issues are found, the testing center will be able to provide you with more information and advice.

Step 6: Get a receipt saying you took the Vin test

If you have completed the VIN test and would like to receive a receipt, you can follow these steps:

Stand outside the vehicle and check the driver’s side dashboard for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

Or open the driver door and look for a sticker on the door jamb for the VIN.

You can also find the VIN written on the vehicle’s title, insurance documents, and proof of registration.

Once you locate the VIN, open the inspection equipment and enter the vehicle’s VIN.

The inspection equipment will print the test results and a receipt.

Retain the receipt for your records.

Step 7: Check if there are any requirements for using the Vin rating

To use the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating with the VIN, it is important to decode the VIN. This is because the VIN can provide important characteristics and specifications, such as the transmission type, engine type and size, which can help to determine the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating. Additionally, for flexible fuel vehicles, the 2nd, 3rd and 8th characters from the VIN should be checked as they can help to identify the vehicle. Furthermore, it is also important to double check the VIN for any typographical errors, such as the presence of the letters O, I, and Q, or o, i and q, in lower case, as the VIN format doesn’t include these letters. Moreover, the VIN should also be checked against government agencies, automakers, US vehicle registration agencies, auto industry, and insurance companies to ensure the accuracy of the fuel efficiency rating.

Step 8: Use your new knowledge to make driving decisions accordingly

The knowledge of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating can be used to make driving decisions accordingly by first understanding how ratings are calculated and what they mean. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that its lab tests are not entirely reflective of the real-world experience of most drivers. Therefore, they position the highway fuel mileage numbers to be used as a level playing field comparator when buying a vehicle. Drivers who encounter hilly terrain, use air conditioning regularly, drive more aggressively, or deal with colder than average temperatures should expect to see a departure from the advertised highway fuel economy.

To use the EPA ratings to make driving decisions, you need to understand the combined fuel economy rating. This is an average of the city and highway driving, with the former contributing to 55% of the score and the latter 45%. Once you understand the EPA ratings, you can use them to make decisions on what type of vehicle will best fit your needs based on fuel efficiency.

For example, if you have a family of four and live in an area with hilly terrain, you may want to opt for an SUV with a higher fuel economy rating to get the most out of your purchase. Similarly, if you are single and live in a flat area like the Midwest, you may want to opt for a compact car with a better fuel efficiency rating.

By understanding the EPA ratings and what they mean, you can make informed decisions about the type of vehicle you should purchase and how to drive in order to maximize fuel efficiency.