Most vehicles get worse gas mileage in real life than the EPA estimates. Your Audi Q8 is no exception. EPA tests happen in controlled conditions at consistent speeds. Your actual driving is messier and burns more fuel.
Why EPA Estimates Don't Match Real Life
The EPA rates your Q8 at 17 city/23 highway/19 combined MPG. But real drivers commonly see lower numbers because:
Your driving habits matter most. Aggressive acceleration, speeding, and frequent braking burn extra fuel. Idling in traffic wastes gas. Short trips don't let your engine reach peak efficiency.
Traffic and weather affect fuel use. Stop-and-go city driving is harder on fuel economy than steady highway cruising. Cold weather reduces MPG by 10 to 20 percent because your engine works harder to warm up. Air conditioning and heating also decrease efficiency.
Vehicle condition impacts performance. Under-inflated tires create extra friction and reduce MPG by 2 to 3 percent per 10 PSI. Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters make engines less efficient. A full trunk adds weight that your engine must push around.
What You Can Actually Do
You can improve your gas mileage right now with these changes:
- Check tire pressure monthly. Keep them at the pressure listed on your driver's door jamb, not the sidewall number.
- Drive smoothly. Accelerate gradually and coast when possible. Think of the gas pedal like an on-off switch instead of a volume dial.
- Reduce idle time. Turn off the engine if you'll be stopped for more than 10 seconds.
- Remove excess weight from your vehicle. That roof rack and trunk clutter add up.
- Keep up with maintenance. Replace air filters and spark plugs on schedule.
- Plan trips efficiently. Combine errands into one drive instead of multiple short trips.
When to Worry
If you suddenly see a big drop in fuel economy (more than 15 to 20 percent below your normal), something might be wrong. Inspect your tires first. Then get a diagnostic check if the problem continues.
Small differences between EPA ratings and your actual MPG are completely normal. Most drivers see their real MPG track 5 to 15 percent below EPA estimates depending on driving style and conditions.