What’s Wrong With Your Fuel Mileage?
It always seems like you’re stopping at the gas station. You’ve been passing it off as the cost of owning a car, and it is. No matter which make or model you drive (unless it’s electric), your vehicle is going to burn through fuel. It’s just how it works. But there’s a point when your car is burning more gas than it should, and you’ve noticed you aren’t getting decent fuel mileage.
You can’t look past it anymore. You need to figure out what’s wrong with your fuel mileage. Here are a few things you can have checked to find out why your fuel mileage has tanked (pun intended).
Possible Causes of Poor Fuel Mileage
Is the Check Engine Light On?
If the Check Engine light is on, why haven’t you had it checked yet? There are dozens of reasons that your car is burning through fuel more than usual that will turn on the Check Engine light. It could be an oxygen sensor reading incorrectly, a timing-related sensor, or one of several other issues. It could even be a serious mechanical issue that’s causing it.
If the Check Engine light is on, it’s always a good idea to have it checked first. It could lead you directly to the cause.
Clogged Fuel Injector
With fuel injection systems, even the slightest bit of debris can cause a fuel injector to be stuck open. If that happens, excess fuel is injected into the cylinder, and it’s going to burn extra gas needlessly.
Low Tire Pressure
Could it be as simple as low tire pressure? It’s possible! If your car’s tires are low on air, it increases the rolling resistance. Your car has to burn more fuel to achieve the same performance. Check your tire pressures monthly or whenever there’s a significant change in temperature.
Dirty Air Filter
If your engine air filter is dirty and clogged, your engine can’t burn fuel properly. To achieve the power it needs, it compensates by dumping more fuel into the cylinders. It gets much more expensive to keep driving your car like this rather than changing the inexpensive air filter.
Is It Time for a Tune-Up?
If your car is 3 years old or more, it could be time for a tune-up. Your spark plugs might be fouled or worn, and that’s going to mean poor performance. Again, your car compensates by adding more fuel to the burn cycle. A routine tune-up can correct the problem quickly.
Sometimes, the problem is more serious. It could be a worn-out engine or even a slipping transmission that’s causing your fuel mileage to suffer. It could be easier and less expensive if you buy a different car instead. If you find yourself in that situation, visit CarUp KC. We have a great inventory of fuel efficient cars that you can drive away on the spot.
