When shopping for a new car, one of the top items on your list is probably gas mileage. That’s because this number will determine how much you spend and how often you stop at the pump. The higher a car’s gas mileage, the farther it can travel on a tank of gas. More specifically, gas mileage is measured in miles per gallon. If your car hasn’t been going as far as it used to on a single fill-up, there may be several reasons why it’s efficiency are waning. Use the following guide to learn why, and whether you need to take it to an auto mechanic.

3 Reasons Why Your Car’s Gas Mileage Is Decreasing

1. Faulty Fuel Injector

This component is responsible for inserting fuel into your cars engine, so it has the power it needs to generate momentum. If the fuel injectors are malfunctioning, such as leaking gas, they won’t be able to deliver enough fuel into your engine. As a result, your car will travel for shorter distances while using the same amount of fuel, causing your gas mileage to plummet. In this case, you’ll need to head to an auto mechanic that can replace the fuel injectors.

2. Driving Habits

By maintaining a constant speed, you can maximize your gas mileage. If you have to switch between accelerating and decelerating continually, the actions which force the engine to work hardest, you’ll use up fuel and travel fewer miles. As a result, rural and highway drivers tend to get better mileage than city drivers. Idling also uses up fuel, and since it doesn’t involve any movement, it automatically decreases your car’s gas mileage. While you may not be able to move out of the city, you can make changes to your driving habits to improve your miles on the gallon. For example, slowing down long before an intersection may prevent you from having to come to a full stop at all, thus avoiding the harsh braking and acceleration.

3. Incorrect Tire Pressure

Every car has a recommended tire pressure, which will support the auto body and allow the vehicle to move with maximum efficiency. If your tires are under-inflated, your engine will have to work harder to propel the car forward. To ensure you’re filling your tires to the right PSI, look in your car‘s owner manual to find the manufacturer’s recommendation.

If you’re looking for an auto mechanic in the Dayton, OH, area to boost your car’s gas mileage, reach out to Kettering-Oakwood Automotive. They can complete an in-depth assessment of your vehicle and suggest the best repairs for increased efficiency. Going forward, they can also offer auto maintenance reminders, so you never fall behind on upkeep. To learn more about their work, visit the website, and call (937) 299-2468 to speak with a representative.