MPG erratic results

[OldGuy]

Anyone else see dramatic results on MPG for the same drive? I have observed as much as 10 mpg difference when driving the same route.

[zoltiz]

There are dozens of factors that can influence gas mileage.

To name a few:
ambient temperature
ambient humidity
precipitation
tire pressure
condition of the engine air filter
quality of gas
driving style (rate of acceleration / deceleration, speed, etc.)
traffic conditions
presence of flying monkeys.

I've seen anything between 30 and 50MPG on my "normal" commute to work.

[TCroly]

Catching or missing some specific traffic lights can make a big difference for me. For example there is a traffic light right a the bottom of a long gade. If I don't hit that light, I can coast for another mile without touching the gas very much. But if I catch that light, I loose all that momentum from comimg down the hill and I mmeadiatly lose 2 or 3 tenths from my tank average as I pull awa from the light.

[Kyleseghatch]

This is my first hybrid and it's almost got me into several accidents watching my mpg meter and trying to keep it in the middle. Hahaha. Traffic lights make me sad...

[tryc]

Originally Posted by zoltiz

To name a few:
[...]
presence of flying monkeys.

Flying monkeys can add or take 3 mpg away, depending on if they are going the same direction or opposite. Sidemonkeys do not traditionally affect mpg.

Wikipedia's entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_monkeys_effect_on_hybrid_mpg

[Tandin]

Originally Posted by tryc

Flying monkeys can add or take 3 mpg away, depending on if they are going the same direction or opposite. Sidemonkeys do not traditionally affect mpg.

Wikipedia's entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_monkeys_effect_on_hybrid_mpg

Now now now, we all know the sidemonkeys are the real reason for all of the reported accidents. Those cross winds can be vicious.