When you bought your vehicle, one of its attractive points was its fuel efficiency because this could save you some money at the pump. However, you realize that recently you’ve been spending more on fuel than before. For instance, your initial miles per gallon (MPG) was 30, but it has now gone down to 20 MPG. You might figure there should be a great explanation for this significant drop, and you’re right. There are various reasons why your vehicle’s fuel efficiency isn’t what it was. Sometimes, these reasons may require a complete vehicle diagnosis at your auto shop. However, some can be within your control as a driver. Continue reading to find out what can cause a reduction in your car’s fuel efficiency.

1. Bad Or Clogged Fuel Filter And Fuel Injector The best combustion depends on the fuel injector’s precision. The fuel injector sends a precise fuel spray into the engine cylinders at defined intervals, ensuring consistent and complete fuel combustion and improving fuel efficiency. However, if the injector valves are clogged, damaged, or dirty, the pressure might not be enough to obtain optimum combustion. In addition, the injector may not send the right amount of fuel to the engine. Lack of optimum combustion can mean the engine may use more fuel to attain desired power output. Thus, your car will need to consume more in the process.   Besides, clogged fuel filters reduce fuel pressure in the injectors. This means it ultimately affects the efficiency of the fuel injectors. The resultant product of this chain is your engine’s poor fuel performance and an increase in fuel consumption. Some cases require cleaning fuel injectors and filters to clear the valves and nozzles. However, it would be best to replace them if they’re damaged. Your local auto shop can help you with the diagnosis and advise on the correct steps you should take. 2. Wrong Tire Pressure In most cases, poor fuel efficiency can be due to low tire pressure because underinflated tires increase the tires’ contact with the road. This significantly increases their rolling resistance, requiring more power to push the vehicle forward. Therefore, it would be best to regularly check the tire pressure to ensure they aren’t too low. Most manufacturers indicate the recommended tire pressure on an inside panel on the driver’s door. The figures there will give you the correct guide. It’s crucial to note that you should use the manufacturer’s recommendations and not the figures indicated on the tires. 3. Poor Wheel Alignment You might realize that sometimes, the car doesn’t track in a straight line when you loosely hold the steering wheel. Hence, there is a need to correct its direction constantly. As with the tire pressure, this creates a rolling resistance, increasing your car’s fuel consumption. However, wheel alignment is a readily available service in most auto shops, so you can take your vehicle for diagnosis to correct this problem. 4. Old Or Dirty Air Filters Your vehicle’s engine requires clean air to ensure optimum fuel combustion. So, the engine may not get the maximum air necessary for complete combustion if the air filters are clogged. The engine may also compensate by taking more fuel to attain the desired power, significantly increasing your car’s overall fuel consumption. That’s why it’s essential to inspect your air filters regularly and replace them when they seem too dirty. 5. Poor Driving Habits Revving your engine constantly may sound like a rockstar move. However, it can come at a cost to you at the fuel pump. This is because the more you rev your engine, the more fuel it uses. Additionally, your acceleration process also matters. If you’re a driver who loves hard acceleration, the engine will always take in more fuel to give you the power you need. Therefore, even though it may seem satisfying to accelerate and rev aggressively, your car will always consume more fuel than you expect. If you’re taking off from a low speed or standing position, it would be best to let the car pick up speed gradually. This can significantly help maintain the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. 6. Wrong Engine Oil Engine oil helps protect and lubricate the engine, ensuring it operates at its optimum fuel efficiency. There are various engine oil types available in the market. However, this doesn’t mean you can use any of them as you wish. The reason is that they have different viscosity properties and react to temperature changes differently. Although they help lubricate, they have different friction reduction levels. For instance, high-mileage oil is considered less effective than synthetic oil. So, if you use the high-mileage one, your engine may still experience significant resistance, using more fuel to produce the necessary power. Ultimately, this increases your fuel consumption. Therefore, following the manufacturer’s manual on the correct oil would be best for optimum engine performance. Conclusion One or more causes can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Hence, constant car inspection is a must-do for every vehicle owner, or take it to your local auto shop for a thorough diagnosis when necessary. Furthermore, you should ensure your driving habits don’t affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. AdobeStock, 205173454, 288539226