How Trustworthy Are MPG Ratings? Consumer Reports Finds Out
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Mileage ratings are a major concern for a lot of new car shoppers but can we trust claims of high gas-mileage?
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High miles per gallon ratings are a big part of many car commercials. But David Champion, auto testing director at Consumer Reports in Yonkers, says the number on the screen is often a highway and not a city mpg figure.
"Most of us spend a great deal of the time in stop and go traffic where the mileage is maybe closer to the mid 20s to 30s," instead of in the 40s like what some car companies advertise, said Champion.
Some of the highest mileage subcompacts come with extra cost option packages or are specially configured to achieve maximum mpg.
The highest mileage version might include low resistance tires which Champion says can lack the longevity of other tire types.
