Are you constantly filling up your tank and thinking, "Why is my gas running out so fast?" You're not alone. Many drivers are faced with the frustrating reality of bad gas mileage. Read on to discover the factors that could be affecting your fuel range and how you can make simple changes to improve it.
Why Is My Fuel Range Going Down?
From basic maintenance tasks to driving habits, there are many surprising culprits that can negatively impact your fuel efficiency. While some of these gas-guzzling offenders may seem obvious, others can easily go unnoticed. So if you're wondering, "Why am I getting less miles per gallon?" here are a few potential reasons to consider.
1. Your driving habits don't lend to good fuel economy.
Rapid acceleration, excessive speeding, hard braking, and prolonged idling can all contribute to increased fuel consumption. By making conscious efforts to drive more efficiently, you may improve gas mileage and reduce fuel costs. Start by adopting the following driving habits:
- Smooth Acceleration and Braking: Gradually accelerate and decelerate where possible to reduce strain on the engine and minimize fuel consumption.
- Avoid Excessive Idling: If you anticipate being stationary for over a minute and don’t need the A/C, consider turning off your engine. Frequent and prolonged idling consumes fuel unnecessarily.
- Observe Speed Limits: Driving at high speeds increases wind resistance, which can decrease your gas mileage. Observe posted speed limits to potentially improve fuel efficiency.
- Don't Drive Aggressively: Aggressive driving can reduce gas mileage by approximately 15-30% at highway speeds and 10-40% in congested traffic.
2. You're carrying too heavy a load.
Have you been carrying more weight in or on your car than usual? Pushing the limits of your vehicle's load capacity can increase fuel consumption. An extra 100 pounds could reduce MPG by up to 2 percent, especially for smaller vehicles. So, if this appears to be the culprit, clean out your trunk and remove any items you don't need.
3. Your tires may be underinflated.
Proper tire pressure is essential for both fuel efficiency and driving safety. In fact, 20-30% of fuel consumption is tire-related, and at just 20 percent underinflation, fuel consumption can increase by 10 percent. Tires affect vehicle gas mileage primarily through rolling resistance. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work overtime and consume more fuel.
Many drivers overlook the simple maintenance task of ensuring proper tire pressure, but it can greatly affect how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel. To help ensure optimal gas mileage and better money savings, keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
Note: Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold — when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or have been driven for less than a mile. Heat can cause the air within your tires to expand, giving an inaccurate reading.
4. Your spark plugs may not be functioning properly.
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine, so if they're not working correctly, your car may have performance issues and waste expensive gasoline. Additionally, if excess unburned fuel exit the combustion chamber, this can damage the catalytic converters. So, if you notice that your car is misfiring or has a rough idle, it's a good idea to have your spark plugs checked.
5. You're using the wrong engine oil.
The type and condition of the engine oil in your vehicle can also impact fuel efficiency. Motor oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving components and preventing premature wear. Neglecting regular oil changes and using the wrong type of oil can lead to reduced engine efficiency, increased friction, and greater fuel consumption.
To ensure optimal gas mileage, use manufacturer-recommended engine oil. Different engines require different types of oil, and using the wrong one can have adverse effects. You'll also want to follow the recommended oil change intervals specified in your car owner's manual.
6. Your vehicle's oxygen sensors may not work as they should.
Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors) monitor the amount of oxygen in your exhaust gases and send a signal to the car's computer. It then adjusts the air-fuel ratio. If an oxygen sensor is faulty, the car's computer won't be able to adjust the air-fuel ratio properly, which can lead to poor gas mileage.
7. You're not getting the best fuel for your ride.
When asking, "Why am I getting less miles per gallon?" evaluating the fuel quality and type you're using should be a priority. Before heading to the pump, consider these factors.
Fuel Quality
Contaminated or poor-quality gas can result in poor engine combustion, decreased performance, and reduced fuel economy. While it may be impossible to control fuel quality at your local gas station, fill up at reputable locations with high-quality fue and ensure your vehicle's fuel filter is replaced regularly if equipped.
Octane Ratings
Using a higher octane rating than recommended by your manufacturer can be an unnecessary waste of money. Stick to the recommended octane rating specified by your owner's manual.
8. Your car's fuel injector may have a leak.
One commonly overlooked culprit behind poor gas mileage is a fuel injector leak. Fuel injectors play a vital role in delivering the right amount of fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine. When a leak occurs, several problems may arise.
The leak may allow fuel to escape, directly translating into decreased fuel efficiency. Secondly, the leak may disrupt the air-fuel ratio, leading to an imbalanced combustion process that further reduces gas mileage.
If you suspect a fuel injector leak, consult a qualified technician at Tires Plus. They can perform a diagnostic test to confirm the leak and determine the next best course of action.
9. Your car is getting older.
One of the most common causes of reduced fuel efficiency is vehicle age. As your car gets older, it may see drops in overall performance and efficiency. Organic wear and tear may occur, fuel injector issues might arise, and more. While this is a natural process that could be difficult to combat, following your manufacturer-suggested maintenance schedule may help to alleviate premature issues and maintain vehicle efficiency.
10. Your vehicle is not properly maintained.
One of the most critical factors that can affect your gas mileage is the overall condition of your vehicle. Regular inspections, oil changes, and filter replacements can help ensure your engine runs efficiently. Neglecting routine maintenance tasks can lead to poor gas mileage and costly repairs down the line, so stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule to keep it running smoothly.
However, if you've ruled out all of the above possibilities and still wonder, "Why is my car losing gas mileage?" it's time for further professional diagnosis. Sudden drops in MPG are often caused by a much larger problem. In which case, you may want to stop by your nearest Tires Plus for a Complete Vehicle Inspection. Our technicians will get to the root of your fuel consumption issue and present you with next best steps.
Schedule your appointment today!
