Your annual gas cost for 15,000 miles depends on two main factors: your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the price of gas in your area.
Calculate Your Fuel Cost
Here's what you need to know:
| Fuel Efficiency | Annual Gas Cost |
|---|---|
| 20 MPG | $3,015 |
| 25 MPG | $2,412 |
| 30 MPG | $2,010 |
| 35 MPG | $1,723 |
These estimates use the current national average gas price of $4.02 per gallon.
How to Calculate Your Specific Cost
Start with your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG). You can find this in your owner's manual or on fueleconomy.gov.
Next, divide 15,000 miles by your car's MPG. For example, a car with 30 MPG would need 500 gallons of gas per year (15,000 divided by 30).
Then multiply the gallons needed by your local gas price. If gas costs $4.02 per gallon, 500 gallons would cost $2,010 annually.
Why Your Cost May Vary
Gas prices change by location. Your area's current price might be higher or lower than the national average. Check local prices before calculating your exact budget.
Your actual fuel efficiency also matters. Highway driving uses less gas than city driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding increase fuel consumption. Keeping your tires properly inflated and staying on top of maintenance can improve your MPG.
Save Money on Fuel
Choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle makes a real difference. A car that gets 30 MPG instead of 20 MPG saves you about $1,000 per year at current prices.
You can also reduce fuel costs by combining trips, maintaining steady speeds on highways, and removing unnecessary weight from your vehicle.
Use Sidekick's fuel cost calculator to estimate your exact annual expenses based on your vehicle's MPG and local gas prices.