Gas mileage is a tricky combination to get exactly right sometimes, especially if you’re not sure what all goes into keeping your gas mileage as efficient as it can be. Brown Automotive understands that the different variables can be confusing. Here are just a few of the things beyond your own driving habits that have a big impact on your car’s gas mileage.
Air Issues
Air is a big part of the entire combustion equation, along with spark and fuel. So if something is wrong with airflow at some point, from the air filter to the oxygen or mass airflow sensor, you’re not going to get the best gas mileage. You’re probably also experiencing other issues, like engine sputtering.
Spark Problems
Misfiring spark plugs are going to have a tough time igniting that air and fuel mixture at the right time. That means that your engine might be dealing with a little too much unburnt fuel. That means that your engine isn’t using fuel efficiently, and your gas mileage will suffer.
Fuel Issues
Speaking of fuel issues, if the fuel injectors aren’t pushing through the right amount of fuel, that’s a problem. But you can have issues elsewhere in the fuel system, too. A clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump directly affects your gas mileage in a negative way.
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Wait, incorrect tire pressure can affect your gas mileage? It definitely can. Your tire pressure isn’t as constant as you’d like it to be. Your tires tend to lose air in colder weather and might even heat up and have more air pressure when the weather is warmer. Either way, the wrong air pressure is easy to fix and it can definitely impact your fuel mileage.
Skipping Oil Changes
When you’re skipping oil changes, that may cause your engine to work harder than it has to. Engine oil keeps the engine clean, but it also lubricates and cools the engine parts. When you’ve got fresh oil on a regular basis, that’s going to give your engine what it needs to run as well as it should, which means better mileage for you.
Noticing that your gas mileage is not where it used to be? Brown Automotive in Trussville, AL can give you a full diagnostic report that helps you to understand what’s going on with your car’s engine. Give us a call and we can set up an appointment for you.