I've just been reminded of an odd quirk in my fuel logs, I get better fuel economy on my daily commute than I do on trips, by 5% or more.
I think this is due to a combination of things, including:
My commute is mostly highway driving anyway.
After decades of living in the mountains, I know every curve and grade of the highway, rain, hail or shine. A trip is often on unfamiliar roads.
I drive slower on my commute, knowing it will only make a few minutes difference (a 75 kph average takes only 7 minutes longer than a 95 kph average)
. Adding too much extra time to a 5 or 6 hour trip may get me lynched.
A trip normally means a heavier load (people & luggage).
How do the two compare for others? Is my experience really that far outside the norm?