If it seems like your visits to the gas pump are more frequent than ever, you need to identify what is causing your car’s mileage to decrease. It could be one or a combination of factors costing you more money and causing your vehicle to work harder. Below, learn about some of the most common reasons for decreased gas mileage so you can improve your auto maintenance knowledge and schedule the appropriate repairs.

5 Factors That Cause Your Car’s Gas Mileage To Decrease

1. Incorrect Tire Pressure

Rolling resistance increases when tire pressure lowers, resulting in extra engine stress and fuel usage. Too much pressure, as well as a lack of tread, also decrease gas mileage by affecting vehicle handling. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended pounds per square inch and check your tires regularly to maintain the correct pressure.

2. Extra Weight

Using your trunk as storage space or loading your vehicle with heavy items puts a strain on the engine. The auto part burns more fuel to compensate for the extra stress, as every 100 pounds of additional weight decreases gas mileage by up to 2%. Remove anything you don’t need from your car to give your engine an efficiency boost.

3. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Your car’s oxygen sensor monitors the fuel and air mixture and tells the vehicle computer when more fuel is needed. If it’s faulty or failing, the computer receives incorrect information, resulting in too much fuel sent to the engine. Take your vehicle to your auto maintenance center to check the oxygen sensor as well as the air filter. A dirty filter in an older vehicle affects the air intake to increase fuel amounts.

4. Poor Driving Habits

Speeding uses more fuel than following the speed limit, as does idling, revving the engine, and driving through stop-and-go traffic. Maintain the speed limit instead of speeding and park your car in neutral instead of idling. Avoid heavy traffic whenever possible so you can minimize fuel loss.

5. Wrong Oil Type

Motor oil cleans and lubricates your engine to prevent the friction and heat that increases stress and fuel use. Oil that doesn’t feature the correct viscosity for your vehicle won’t adequately reduce friction, so check your owner’s manual and always use what’s recommended. By doing so, you’ll extend the life of your engine in addition to saving fuel. 

If you suspect that your decreasing gas mileage is due to a bad oxygen sensor or other malfunctioning auto part, turn to Dee’s Auto Care Specialists in La Crosse WI, for help. Since 1963, this auto maintenance center has provided vehicle owners throughout the Coulee Region with a range of reliable services and a team of ASE-certified auto technicians who thoroughly explain all repairs. They also have convenient locations in Winona and Onalaska to assist you when you need it most. Call (608) 782-2530 to schedule a service or learn more information online. Follow the shop on Twitter for additional auto maintenance tips.