Many drivers consider gas mileage a crucial factor in their choice of automobile. Owners of larger vehicles also value fuel performance for cost and conservation. So what does it mean if your car is logging fewer road miles per gallon? Below are a few reasons your local auto mechanic wants you to know.

Why Your Gas Mileage Is Suffering

1. Driving Habits

The way you drive significantly impacts fuel performance. Consistent speeding or pumping the brakes uses more gas to serve your changing demands. Excessive idling also wastes fuel without adding miles to the odometer. The first step to solve mileage problems is smoother driving. Follow the speed limit and avoid tailgating so that you don’t have to brake suddenly.

2. Low Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure is a common reason for decreased mileage. Check your pressure at least once a month with a gauge. Don’t rely on the pounds per square inch (PSI) embossed on the tire.

Every car varies in weight and size. Check your owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door panel for the manufacturer's pressure recommendation, and then inflate the tires to that number.

3. Improper Oxygen Mixture

Reliable fuel mileage depends on a proper air-fuel mixture reaching your engine. Most cars have oxygen sensors to monitor and control the mix. When the sensor isn’t functioning correctly, the mixture becomes unbalanced and won’t burn optimally, leading to a decrease in engine performance and, therefore, gas mileage. The engine air filter also impacts your performance, and a dirty or clogged filter will throw off the mixture as well. Your auto mechanic can run a diagnostic test to check for problems and repair them if necessary.

4. Damaged Fuel Injector

The fuel injector sprays aerosolized gasoline into the engine to keep it running. Clogged, leaking, or damaged injectors impact your gas mileage as engine cylinders fail to receive the proper amount of fuel.

Your injector may be the culprit if your car is also idling roughly, lacking acceleration, or giving off a fuel smell. The dashboard’s check engine light will also turn on, signaling the need to visit an auto mechanic.

5. Faulty Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the injected air-fuel mixture to create combustion. As spark plugs age, changes in their structure can cause misfires, struggling starts, and sluggish acceleration, all of which decrease your fuel mileage.

To maximize engine efficiency, replace your plugs every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, based on manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

If you notice a decrease in gas mileage, rough running, or slow starts, see a trusted auto mechanic right away. The friendly experts at A-1 Auto Service in Lorain, OH, can quickly diagnose and fix problems with your fuel system, as well as provide fast oil changes, wheel alignments, tuneups, and more. Call (440) 245-0076 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to review their full list of services.