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Is poor fuel economy causing a dent in your wallet? If your full tank isn’t getting you as far as it used to, it’s time to examine what might be affecting your vehicle’s efficiency. A car that guzzles gas is not only a financial burden but also a sign that your vehicle isn’t running optimally. However, identifying the cause can be challenging since multiple factors often contribute to poor fuel economy.

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the most common causes of poor fuel economy, with practical tips to help you get back on track and improve efficiency.

1. Defective Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors play a vital role in delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine. If these components fail, either through clogging or wear, the engine can receive too much or too little fuel.

If the delivered fuel is not sufficient, the engine struggles to maintain optimal performance, make it harder to work and burn more fuel than necessary amount. Alternatively, if the fuel injectors leak,they may flood the engine, which also leads to wasted fuel.

Solution:

• Have a mechanic inspect the injectors regularly and clean or replace them if necessary.

• Use fuel additives can prevent nozzle clogging and build-up in the injectors.

2. Clogged Air Filters and Oxygen Sensors

For An Efficient engine Performance, an engine needs a precise mixture of air and fuel.efficiently. This balance is managed by air filters and oxygen sensors. When the air filter is clogged with dirt, dust and grime, the engine has trouble getting enough oxygen, which interferes with combustion. Also, a faulty oxygen sensor can send inaccurate data to the engine control unit (ECU), resulting in an incorrect air-fuel ratio.

Impact:

An engine running too rich or too lean can cause increased fuel consumption, sluggish performance, and even long-term engine damage.

Solution:

• Change air filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule (typically every 19000-24000 km).

• Replace faulty oxygen sensors promptly to prevent further damage.

3. Under-Inflated Tyres

Tyres play a pivotal role in fuel efficiency to provide the best fuel fuel economy. When tyres are under-inflated, the increased surface area touching the road leads to greater friction and rolling resistance.This causes the engine to use more energy to move the vehicle and burn more fuel in the process.In fact, driving with under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Over time, it can also cause uneven tire wear and damage to the vehicle's suspension.

Solution:

• Check tyre pressure every two weeks or before long journeys.

• Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure found in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door panel.

• Consider switching to low-rolling-resistance tyres, which are designed to improve fuel efficiency.

4. Faulty Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders to power your vehicle. When they become worn or damaged, misfires can occur and your car engine struggles to maintain smooth combustion. This inefficiency translates into increased fuel consumption. Faulty spark plugs can also affect acceleration and result in jerky performance.

• Replace spark plugs as part of regular vehicle maintenance (usually every 48000 KM or as recommended).

• Check the spark plug wires and ignition coils to ensure the entire system is working properly.

5. Using the Wrong Engine Oil

Engine Oil reduces friction within the engine, ensuring smooth movement of parts. Using an incorrect grade of engine oil—or engine oil that is not suited to your vehicle—can result in increased engine resistance. The higher the friction, the more energy the car engine expends, which leads to higher fuel consumption.

Using low-quality or expired engine oil can also harm the car engine, leading to wear and tear over time, further impacting fuel efficiency.

Solution:

• Always use the manufacturer-recommended car engine oil for your vehicle.

• Consider using synthetic oil blends that reduce friction and improve efficiency.

• Stick to regular oil changes based on your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

6. Excessive Idling

Although it seems harmless, it actually spends a lot of fuel. Modern engines are efficient enough and do not need to continue running for a long time. Idling for more than 30 seconds consumes unnecessary fuel and also emits pollutants into the environment.

Impact

Idling not only reduces fuel economy, but also increases wear and tear, shortening the life of some engine parts

Solution:

• If you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute, switch off the engine or put the car in neutral.

• Many Modern cars are equipped with start-stop technology —if your vehicle has it, make sure it’s activated.

7. Bad Driving Habits

Your Driving Style can make a big difference in fuel consumption.Aggressive driving such as sudden acceleration, harsh breaking and revving the engine—forces the engine to consume more fuel than necessary. The faster you accelerate, the more fuel the engine burns.

Solution:

• Practice driving more smoothly by gradually accelerating and maintaining a constant speed.

• Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel consumption.

• Avoid speeding, as fuel consumption increases exponentially with higher speeds.

8. Carrying excess weight or improper maintenance

Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle, such as heavy cargo, in the car can put extra strain on the engine.Similarly,a poorly maintained vehicle (such as misaligned wheels, old brake pads, or a dirty fuel filter) —won’t perform efficiently and will consume more fuel.

Impact:

Even an extra 50 kilograms can reduce fuel economy by approx. 2 %, especially in smaller vehicles. Regular maintenance can ensure that your vehicle is stable and efficient, reducing fuel consumption.

Solution:

• Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce the load.

• Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to keep all components in optimal condition.

• Get regular wheel alignments to avoid uneven tyre wear and improve efficiency.

There are many factors that contribute to poor fuel economy, ranging from mechanical issues like faulty injectors and clogged filters to habits such as idling and aggressive driving. Each issue, whether minor or major, plays a role in your vehicle’s overall efficiency. Identifying and resolving these issues not only saves money on fuel but also extends the life of your vehicle.

To keep your car in top shape and minimize fuel consumption, it’s essential to practice good driving habits and adhere to regular maintenance schedules. Checking tyres, using the correct car engine oil, and replacing worn-out spark plugs are simple steps that can lead to noticeable improvements in your vehicle’s fuel economy.

If you’re struggling with poor fuel efficiency despite following these tips, it might be time to consult with the experts. The experienced Car Mechanic team at Lilydale Motors can help diagnose and resolve underlying issues, ensuring your car runs smoothly and economically.