Alright, so I've figured out something.
This doesn't apply to everyone, but I've noticed a pattern in my driving habits that caused me to use
more gas when I got better MPG's, than when I didn't pay attention to when I drove.
Why?
Because it seems that, when I went all out just for higher MPG Numbers at the pump, I found myself taking the twice as long route with no stops than taking the other route with stops. Even though I got 24mpg, Getting 21 driving half the distance counteracted the whole 3 mpg part of the equation.
Also, when I don't think about how I'm driving, I still drive efficiently, I'm just not monitoring things like, DWL and etc. as closely but essentially I'm still driving effectively.
And when I don't think about it, I drive less. I don't have the urge to get those groceries, or buy all of that stuff to see if I can pull over 25mpg.
And, when I'm not noticing how far I've gone compared to my gas gauge, I'm constantly thinking, I better get this stuff done and get back and not drive more than I have to, because I need the gas to last x amount of days. Which consequently makes me drive less.
So, instead of going 2 weeks then filling up at 23-24 mpg, I'm settling for 20-22mpg and going 3 weeks before filling up. My numbers are worse as far as MPG's go, but my Costs have gone down.
Thoughts?