Driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph can increase fuel economy by what amount?

Driving at a lower speed, such as 55 mph compared to 65 mph, has a direct impact on fuel economy due to the principles of aerodynamic drag and engine efficiency. As speed increases, vehicles encounter more air resistance, which requires more power and fuel to maintain those higher speeds. Studies suggest that fuel efficiency tends to decrease at higher speeds, often quantified in terms of miles per gallon (mpg).

At 55 mph, the engine operates in a more efficient range, allowing for better combustion and less fuel consumption. Various studies indicate that this reduction in speed can lead to an improvement in fuel economy. While the amount can vary depending on the vehicle and various driving conditions, it is generally accepted that the difference in fuel economy can be around 1 mpg when comparing these two speeds. This quantitative assessment aligns with real-world driving conditions, making the increase of 1 mile per gallon a reasonable estimate for this scenario.