Repost: Will the EPA Change the Way It Measures M.P.G. Ratings? Maybe Just for Hybrids?

With the influx of hybrid models in the market, Brad Tuttle asks an important question on Time.com:

Drivers have good reason to be skeptical about m.p.g. claims posted on new-car windows. After complaints and new rounds of testing, the EPA recently had to lower m.p.g. ratings for several Kia and Hyundai models. It’s widely believed that the mileage ratings on many hybrid cars are inflated as well.

Ford, which has come under fire after Consumer Reports’ tests showed that the fuel efficiency of two of its hybrids was off by 20%, is now saying it may be time for the Environmental Protection Agency to change procedures for coming up with the numbers — at least for hybrid vehicles. “We continue to work closely with the EPA to determine whether the industry testing procedure needs changes for hybrid vehicle testing,” Raj Nair, Ford’s product-development chief, said, according to Bloomberg News.

The Kia-Hyundai miniscandal freshly brought to light the fact that for the most part, the EPA doesn’t measure how many miles per gallon each car model gets. Instead, the automakers themselves conduct tests, and the EPA winds up doing audits on about 15% of vehicle models in the hopes of keeping everyone honest. The federal agency also does its own tests after receiving an abundance of complaints from consumers or reports from independent testing organizations like Consumer Reports. This is how Kia and Hyundai models wound up being tested and how the m.p.g. ratings for several models wound up declining.

Now the EPA is taking a closer look at two Ford hybrids, the C-Max and the Fusion. Both were certified for 47 m.p.g., and both fell well short of that in CR’s tests (37 m.p.g. and 39 m.p.g., respectively). “These two vehicles have the largest discrepancy between our overall-mpg results and the estimates published by the EPA that we’ve seen among any current models,” CR reported at the time it released its test results.

The large discrepancies have left consumers not only confused but reluctant to trust the numbers listed on car-window stickers, prompting some to think it’s time for the EPA ratings and testing systems to change. The problem is especially pronounced with hybrids, the Detroit News reported:

Most vehicles’ real-world gas mileage is less than the EPA sticker number, and can often be 20 percent less than the sticker number depending on speed, temperature and other factors.

With hybrids, however, the gap is much wider — as high as a 30 percent drop, the EPA says. And as the fuel efficiency of hybrids continues to climb, the gap is growing wider between EPA figures and real-world fuel efficiency.

In particular, the fuel efficiency of hybrids is affected by temperature; Consumer Reports’ tests were conducted in Connecticut on fairly cold days, which explains in part why the cars’ m.p.g. averages were so poor. Even so, Edmunds explained why EPA procedures aren’t likely to change anytime soon:

It doesn’t have the budget, equipment or manpower to test the hundreds of individual models with unique engine and transmission combinations that automakers produce each year.

In other words, the “official” EPA rating is a rough estimate that may be far off the mark because of a wide range of factors, but it’s the best we’re going to get. Therefore, drivers really should take that “your mileage will vary” disclaimer on new-car stickers to heart.

It’s probably smart for consumers to consult other drivers for a better idea of real-world mileage. The EPA website has a shared m.p.g. estimates tool where everyday drivers are invited to track their fuel efficiency — and where the Ford C-Max Hybrid is shown to average 39 m.p.g., with various users reporting their vehicles getting anywhere from 31 to 56 m.p.g.

“Honestly assessing your specific situation is the only way to adjust the EPA ratings down — or up — to more accurately reflect the fuel economy you can expect to see once the car or truck is yours,” is the suggestion from Edmunds. “One way to do a reality check on a car’s EPA rating is to deduct 10 percent from it if you consider yourself an aggressive driver. This means someone who routinely exceeds speed limits and hurries away from stop signs and red lights.”

Since cold weather can seriously affect the mileage of hybrids, it could also make a big difference if you’re living in Minnesota or Florida.

A&M Automotive is a trusted auto repair shop in Bellevue, Washington. For more news about the automotive industry, visit this Facebook page.

Winter visibility and safety: Setting your GPS for cold temperatures

Global positioning system (GPS) devices used to be a thing of science fiction. Back then, nobody thought a device could accurately depict where you are located, and reveal a map of your destination before you even get there. But technology advanced, and what used to be myth became possible. Navigation became easier, and travelling to new locales became less of a hassle for motorists.

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However, even the most advanced technologies bend to factors beyond human control—factors like climate. For an owner, a prominent concern is how a device will react to various weather conditions. After all, a good GPS device acts like your second pair of eyes that are not blinded by factors like smoke, dust, and fog, making it indispensable in environments with reduced visibility.

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Depending on the type and the manufacturer, GPS devices demand a particular amount of care. This is typically not the case with built-in GPS systems, as these devices were designed and tested to work in extreme conditions. Other units, such as handheld and in-the-car receivers are best not exposed to low temperature, as this can cause their screens to momentarily cloud up. You may have to wait until the device warms up and the cloud dissolves before you can use it.

While unproven by most manufacturers, many users note that cold temperatures often cause the lithium ion batteries of their GPS units to run out faster. As a precaution, manufacturers advise users to take their GPS units out of the car when not being used.

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More importantly, you must remember to have your automobiles checked regularly. Auto repair shops like A&M Automotive in Bellevue, Washington, checks your car’s electronics to make sure that changes in climate do not cause insulations to wear off, among other things. Finely tuned electronic connections are integral to a fully operational GPS system.

For more information, visit AMAutofactoria.com.

Your car's color and the effects of white winter

It may not be the first thing they look at, but car owners mind their vehicle’s color. After all, no red convertible looks good with a faded paint job that lacks sheen. Unfortunately, car paint does not stay glossy forever, especially when exposed to temperature extremes. Winter, for one, poses many threats to car paint -- not good news to car owners who are hard-pressed to keep their rides looking as shiny as brand new.

From prestigeluxuryrentals.com

Weather has always affected the longevity of any material exposed to it. When in extreme cold, car paint usually suffers from thinned wax and weakened enamel. This exposes the car’s metal surface to the elements, potentially worsening the damage. Snow is not as delicate as it is often imagined to be, and, together with sleet, actually does a fine job of leaving scratches on a car’s paint job.

From blogspot.com

In very cold areas, snowfall can be very heavy, making the streets more slippery and hazardous. To remedy this, road salts are often used to de-ice streets. But while it reduces the risk brought about by slippery roads, it greatly causes the car’s paint to degrade and weaken. It can also act as a catalyst for rusting, something car owners would ever want to see in their vehicle.

From carcleaningguru.com

Experts suggest keeping cars in a garage to protect them from weather extremes. Depending on the car’s finish, owners can use products like paint sealants to enhance the longevity of their vehicle’s paint job. It is also best to have the car checked by experts. For example, technicians at A&M Automotive in Bellevue can recommend the proper steps to protect practically any finish in any automobile model.

For more updates, visit AMAutofactoria.com.

A&M Automotive: Used car problems to watch out for

The technicians at A&M Automotive in Bellevue, Washington, advise consumers to exercise some caution when buying a pre-owned car. There are many car problems that buyers should be able to spot if they thoroughly examine the vehicle before buying.

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The pre-owned vehicle market is a good place to find a less expensive option for one’s first car. However, the advantage of lower costs to purchase a working vehicle does come with some setbacks. One of the most obvious of these is the fact that pre-owned cars may not function as advertised.

Many people rely on the odometer reading to determine the worth of the vehicle and if it’ll be prone to breaking down just shortly after purchase. However, A&M Automotive technicians in Bellevue point out that the odometer reading can be tampered with and car documents can be forged.

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In other cases, there are also a few issues that cannot be easily spotted through a simple examination. Unfortunately, there are cars that have been water damaged due to floods out on the market, and while these cars may seem to have been restored to full working condition, there might still be some features that may have been damaged beyond repair.

Finally, consumers should also avoid “lemons” or defective cars which have been bought back by the manufacturers and then resold to the pre-owned vehicle market.

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These are a few examples of why consumers are advised to submit the vehicle to a used car exam to determine the facts and see if the car will need some heavy maintenance and repair work a few months after purchase.

For more information on A&M Automotive in Bellevue and its used car exam service, visit AMAutoFactoria.com.

Making that stop: A&M Auto Repair on ensuring an efficient braking system

A&M Automotive, a renowned auto repair shop in Bellevue, Washington, is consistent in reminding motorists to send in their vehicles for scheduled maintenance checks and periodic repairs. Being proactive about maintenance and repair is seen to ensure that the vehicle continues to run smoothly and in a manner expected of it.

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One of the most important aspects of vehicles that must be regularly checked is the braking system. Out of all the other safety features of the car, the braking system is the most used. When the brake system fails, accidents are almost sure to follow.

To ensure that the car makes the stop or slows down when needed, A&M Automotive recommends requesting a routine checkup for their vehicle’s braking system during every oil check session.

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The amount of wear on the brake pads and the usage of the brake fluid vary from vehicle to vehicle and it is wise to have the condition of the break system checked often to avoid accidents, costly repairs, and frequent replacements for damaged disk brake rotors or brake drums.

Keeping the interior of the car clean also goes a long way in ensuring an efficient braking system. Small things like cans and bottles can easily get under the brake pedals, hindering proper operation at crucial times.

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For more information on A&M Automotive and car maintenance, visit: Amautofactoria.com.

A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue: Clearing up oil change concerns

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At A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue, curious car owners usually ask the technicians questions that are specific to car maintenance procedures. Among the most asked questions are those that are about oil change: “How often should it be done? Why is oil change important?”


To shed light on the matter, below are some quick answers with a few details added in for good measure:


Manufacturers generally advise gasoline vehicle owners to have their automobile’s oil changed once every year or every 7,500 miles. Meanwhile, for diesel engines and cars with turbocharged gasoline engines, the recommendation goes down to about half to once every six months or with every 3,000 miles travelled.

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However, as technicians at A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue have pointed out, this is the recommendation based on ideal driving circumstances – that is, based on the idea that most drivers drive defensively and do not push the machine of their car to the limit.



The oil in the engine is there to keep it running smoothly and to protect it from accelerated wear. Given that, only new engines with little or no wear can manage to survive with less frequent oil changes. As the car starts to accumulate miles, however, it is expected to dump more unburned fuel into the crank case which will dilute the oil, leading to accelerated wear. Given these points, the recommendation goes to the latter given values – every six months or every 3,000 miles, no matter what type of driving is done.

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Visit AMAutoFactoria.com for more information on A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue and how to keep your vehicles in good shape.

A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue, Washington: Important steps to flood-proof your car

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People can’t really do much when disaster strikes. However, they can at least mitigate the damage by taking precautionary measures before and after the flood. A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue, Washington, provides some tips on how you can safeguard your prized possessions, including your cars, against the wrath of nature:

• Choose a residential area that is not prone to flooding.

• If your office location has a tendency to be submerged in rainwater, park the car on a high ground.

• Request your car insurance agent to include ‘acts of God’ in the policy.

• Familiarize yourself with the route to work and identify areas which tend to be inundated. Determine the safest route to and from work.

• Consider retrofitting for flood-prone residential areas. This includes raising the level of the garage to a significantly higher plane above the ground and if possible, moving the house away from flood-risk areas.

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A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue, the one-stop shop for all car repair needs, also advises car owners to pay attention to warnings and to never take chances. If the flood is high as the car’s doorsill, it’s preferable to turn back and find a high parking ground. If the road is still passable, it’s recommended that you drive slowly and shift the car to first gear. While in first gear, step on the gas pedal and keep going without stalling the engine. If the car gets stuck, ask for help and have it towed.

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For quality towing service, car owners can trust A&M Auto Repair in Bellevue. The company offers free towing with major engine or transmission repairs. To learn more about its services, visit AMAutoFactoria.com.