5 Common Problems That Can Hurt Your Car's Fuel Economy
Posted on: 10 February 2023
Have you noticed a significant decline in your car's fuel efficiency? Several factors can contribute to this problem.
Below are some common problems that may increase your vehicle's fuel consumption.
1. Dirty oil filter
A well-oiled engine keeps your car running smoothly, maximising its fuel efficiency. An oil-starved engine, on the other hand, will be forced to run harder than it should to deliver the desired performance, increasing the vehicle's fuel consumption.
Inspecting your engine's oil filter can help determine the cause of your declining fuel efficiency. If the filter is dirty, it will require replacement to stop it from depriving your engine of the essential oil necessary for ensuring smooth and efficient car operation.
2. Dirty air filter
Your engine produces the power needed to move your car by burning an air-fuel mixture in the correct ratio. If it has a dirty air filter, not enough oxygen will enter the engine for optimal combustion of the fuel. As your engine will be oxygen-deprived, it will burn more fuel than is required to produce power. Consequently, your car will use more fuel.
When checking your oil filter, check the air filter as well. If it's dirty, replace it to ensure proper airflow into your engine.
3. Faulty oxygen sensors
Like clogged air filters, malfunctioning oxygen sensors can cause your engine to run rich (burn more fuel than is necessary to generate power for your car). Checking the car's computer can help determine if these sensors are responsible for the poor fuel economy.
4. Faulty ignition system
A weak or failing ignition can hurt the fuel economy of your car by causing your engine to misfire, increasing the engine load, and resulting in incomplete combustion. If you're having trouble starting your car, you should look into the issue before it results in more wasted fuel.
5. Improper tyre pressure
As surprising as it may sound, there is a strong correlation between tire inflation and fuel economy.
Low tyre pressure increases your car's rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to run harder to compensate for the added resistance. If your tyre pressure is low due to damage, you'll need to make repairs before adding more pressure.
The first thing to do when you're experiencing poor fuel economy is to rule out bad driving habits, such as overspeeding, heavy braking and carrying extra weight, as potential culprits behind the problem.
If the problem persists, odds are you're having mechanical trouble. In that case, you'll need to visit an auto mechanic shop near you for expert diagnostics and repair services.
Call an auto repair shop to make an appointment.
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