In addition to saving you money at the gas pump, good gas mileage is a sign that components are running smoothly in your car’s engine. If you’ve started to notice that you aren’t getting quite as far with the same amount of gas, it could mean that something is amiss with the auto parts in your vehicle. Be aware of some of the common causes of decreased gas mileage and what you can do to fix them.

Why Is Your Car’s Gas Mileage Decreasing?

1. Bad Fuel Injector

The fuel injector is the component that is designed to take fuel from the gas tank into the engine. If this isn’t functioning correctly, you can start to experience poor gas mileage. Have your mechanic check for a leak that could be preventing fuel from reaching your engine and compromising its efficiency.

2. Bad Oxygen Sensors or Air Filters

An oxygen sensor helps your engine maintain the correct blend of air and fuel. Your gas mileage can quickly decrease if this sensor isn’t working as it should, so have your mechanic check this and your air filters. In some cases, cleaning the clogged air filter is all you need to bring your engine back to peak performance.

3. Your Driving Habits

Accelerating quickly and practicing aggressive driving habits will cause you to burn fuel quickly. Instead, accelerate slowly after you’ve been stopped and try to adopt a more relaxed method of driving. You should also avoid running your car’s air conditioner when you don’t need it. The AC unit in your car uses quite a bit of gas, which can be saved when you ride with the windows open instead.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Motor Oil

There can be unforeseen consequences to using cheap motor oil. If you’ve been skimping on your engine oil choice, you may not be reducing friction in your auto parts as much as you could be, thus reducing your engine’s efficiency. Try switching to synthetic oil, or whichever type is recommended by the car’s user manual.

5. Incorrect Tire Pressure

If your car’s tires aren’t filled to the correct pressure, your engine may have to work much harder to get your vehicle moving, thus reducing your gas mileage. To check and monitor this problem, periodically check your tires using a pressure gauge. Compare the results to the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels and the maximum pressure readings on the tires. If they don’t align, you need to have your tires inspected.

If you’ve noticed your car isn’t going quite as far on one tank of gas as it used to, take it to the professionals at You Save Auto Repairs in Covington, KY. These engine repair experts will take the time to test all relevant auto parts in your car to see which ones need to be repaired or replaced to restore your engine to peak efficiency. Find out more about this auto repair shop online or make an appointment by calling (859) 360-3465 today.