It’s no secret that fuel costs have been on the rise lately. And as much as we all grumble about it, there’s not much we can do about it. However, we can ensure our cars are running as efficiently as possible so that we’re not wasting money on fuel.
Fuel inefficiency or low gas mileage can have many causes. But it mostly boils down to two things: poor aerodynamics and engine problems.
Understanding the Main Causes:
Aerodynamics is basically how wind moves around or over an object. And when it comes to cars, the more aerodynamic a car is, the less resistance it has to overcome as it moves forward. That resistance takes energy in the form of fuel, and that’s why more aerodynamic cars get better gas mileage.
In contrast, engine problems cause fuel to be burned inefficiently. It can happen for several reasons, including cylinder misfiring, dirty spark plugs, or a faulty oxygen sensor.
So those are the two leading causes of poor fuel economy: aerodynamic drag and engine problems.
How to Improve Fuel Economy
You can’t do much about a car’s aerodynamic drag while you’re driving it, but there are some things you can do to improve your car’s fuel economy.
Keep Inflated Tires:
Properly inflated tires improve your car’s fuel economy by up to three percent. You can check your car’s tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. It will also help to rotate your tires regularly.
Maintain the Engine:
A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently and use less fuel. You can improve your engine’s efficiency by ensuring it’s properly tuned. Regular oil changes can improve your engine’s performance.
Change Oil Filters Regularly:
An oil filter helps remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the engine oil. Clogged filters can cause the engine to work harder, using more fuel. For most cars, it’s recommended that you change the oil filter every time you change the oil.
Be Mindful of the Air Filter:
Air filters prevent dirt from entering the engine. A dirty air filter can cause the engine to work harder, using more fuel. Most cars have a paper air filter that requires replacement between 15,000 and 30,000 miles.
Change Faulty Spark Plugs:
Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the engine. Over time, your spark plugs may become corroded or fouled due to oil, fuel, and carbon deposits. It can cause engine misfires leading to higher fuel consumption. Depending on the spark plugs, they may need to be replaced between 20,000 and 100,000 miles.
Maintain Oxygen Sensor Health:
The oxygen sensor helps the engine run efficiently by measuring the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. A bad oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run too lean or too rich, affecting fuel economy. Most oxygen sensors need to be replaced between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
Conclusion:
Regular car maintenance is necessary to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. You can visit our service center at Lake Elsinore Honda, serving Lakeland Village, CA. Our certified technicians can ensure your vehicle’s longevity.
Schedule an appointment today!
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