4 Small Issues that Have a Massive Impact Fuel Efficiency

With ever-rising gas prices drivers obviously want to get the most mileage out of their gas tank as possible. With routine maintenance most people will be able to achieve this. However, there are some small problems that may be overlooked that are actually having a massive negative impact your our miles per gallon. If you notice a drop in your vehicle's fuel efficiency be sure to consider the following and then visit a local auto repair shop for appropriate diagnostics and repairs.

Underinflated Tires

Tires that are not properly filled take more engine power to spin due to the soft rubber increasing the car's footprint. Underinflation can in fact cause a decrease in fuel efficiency by 25 percent or more. This is why it is important that you regularly check your tires' air pressure. Air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and the PSI rating can be found on the sidewall of most tires. Head to nearly any service station to quickly check your current PSI and fill it up if necessary.

Dirty Air Filter

Believe it or not something as simple as a clogged air filter can have a negative impact on fuel efficiency. This is because it takes air and gas to power the motor and if air can't get through a dirty air filter the vehicle will compensate by burning additional gasoline, a problem that is known as running rich.

Corroded Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are fed an electrical charge which causes them to spark. That spark is what ignites the air and fuel mixture inside the engine. Over many miles the spark plugs can become corroded, causing them to misfire, meaning they spark at the wrong time and do not ignite the fuel. This results in a rough running engine that suffers from decreased fuel economy.

Failed Oxygen Sensor/Exhaust Leak

The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system and is designed to detect how much oxygen is present in the vehicle's emissions. If the sensor fails, or if there is a leak present in the system prior to the O2 sensor, it can misread the emissions, causing it to believe there is excessive amounts of oxygen. If this occurs the sensor will incorrectly tell the vehicle's main computer to send more gas to the combustion chamber, resulting in the vehicle running rich.

If you notice a drop in your car's MPGs don't hesitate to visit a local auto shop for further investigation. If you need automotive diagnostics in Austin to help restore your car's MPGs visit the team at Precision Tune Auto Care. Our expert auto repair techs will have your car running great in no time. Give us a call at (512) 580-4826 to schedule superior auto repair in Austin at the first sign of trouble!

Precision Tune Auto Care Blog

Written and Published By MORBiZ