5 Surprising Causes of Poor Fuel Economy
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, motorcycles are the most fuel-efficient vehicle, followed by ride-sourcing vehicles, and cars. The worst vehicles by miles per gallon are transit buses and refuse trucks.If your vehicle isn't performing as well as it should, then there could be a problem with your fuel efficiency. Ideally, your car or truck should match its advertised fuel economy. It may even run better if you frequently drive on highways.Here are five surprising causes of poor fuel economy and what you can do about them.
1. Overloading the Vehicle
The first of the low mpg reasons is that you might be overloading your vehicle. Your vehicle's weight has a direct impact on poor gas mileage issues. The harder your engine has to work, the more fuel it'll burn.Improving car mileage may mean removing unnecessary items from your trunk or backseat.
2. Poorly Maintained Spark Plugs
Faulty or worn-out spark plugs are another of the many poor fuel efficiency causes. These plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine. If they aren't working as they should, then the process becomes less efficient. Expect your spark plugs to degrade over time. Regular maintenance at your local auto shop can help prevent them from causing poor gas mileage, though.
3. Tire Alignment
Misaligned tires can create additional friction on the road. This extra resistance forces your engine to consume more fuel to maintain speed. Additionally, uneven tire wear can further decrease your vehicle's fuel economy over time. It's important to rotate your tires regularly to prevent uneven tire wear. Your mechanic can address misalignment at the same time.
4. Using the Wrong Motor Oil
Every vehicle has specific oil viscosity requirements. If you use an oil that's too thick or too thin, that can cause engine inefficiency. The wrong type of motor oil can cause poor gas mileage and cause damage to your engine.Oil that is too thick makes the engine work harder. Too thin, and there won't be enough lubrication.When you take your car in for an oil change, make sure that they fill it with the right kind.
5. Bad Oxygen Sensors
One factor many drivers may fail to consider is their oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. It then adjusts the fuel-to-air ratio for optimal combustion.If the sensor malfunctions, then your car may receive the wrong data. At most, you could experience down to nearly half fuel efficiency.
Avoid These Causes of Poor Fuel Economy
The causes of poor fuel economy can range from the motor oil you used to a mechanical failure. In any case, following these vehicle fuel economy tips should help you sort out the problem or at least encourage you to seek professional help.Day Heights Auto Service provides trusted auto repair in both Milford and Loveland, OH. We have over 40 years of experience in the area, and our services include auto maintenance, towing, electronic diagnostics, and more. Reach out with any questions and book our service online.