As your car gets older, it’s fuel efficiency may naturally decline. However, you can still invest in car repairs to improve your mileage along the way. To preserve your vehicle and spend less on gas, learn about the most common reasons for a reduction in fuel efficiency.

3 Reasons for Low Fuel Efficiency

1. Low Tire Pressure

When your tires are properly inflated, they are firm and springy. Under-inflated tires are soft and sluggish, and they won't propel your vehicle forward as easily. As a result, your car will use more fuel to travel the same distance.

While tires naturally lose air over time, cooler outdoor air temperatures can also lower air pressure. You can find out how much air your tires really need by checking your car’s manual or the door plate on the driver’s side.

2. Faulty Oxygen Sensors

For your car to move efficiently, a specific ratio of fuel and air must be injected into the engine. To keep track of how much air is being injected, your engine relies on oxygen sensors.

However, if your O2 sensors are malfunctioning, they may offer incorrect readings, signaling the fuel injectors to administer too much gasoline. As a result, your car is burning more fuel than it needs to, lowering its overall mileage.

3. Damaged Spark Plugs

These components create a spark of electricity inside your engine, triggering the combustion of fuel in the engine. Therefore, any issues with the spark plugs could affect the way gasoline is burned. If your spark plugs are dirty or simply deteriorated, they may not burn all the gas supplied by the fuel injectors. The leftover gas will remain unused, lowering your car’s fuel efficiency.

If you’re looking for a solution for your vehicle’s poor mileage, head to Ohio’s Anderson Automotive Repair. Drivers in the Tri-State area have been turning to their car repair technicians since 1985. Whether you need a spark plug replacement or a new set of tires, you can rely on their crew to analyze your vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses. To learn more about their car repair services, visit them online, or call (513) 474-4200 to schedule an appointment.