Why Is Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency Dropping?

Noticing that you’re stopping at the gas pump more often than usual? A sudden drop in fuel efficiency can be frustrating and costly, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing it. Whether your car’s mileage has decreased gradually or significantly, poor fuel economy is often a sign that something in your vehicle isn’t working as efficiently as it should. At Mastertech Auto Repair in Massillon, OH, we help drivers diagnose and fix fuel efficiency problems, ensuring their vehicles perform optimally while saving money at the pump. Let’s explore the most common reasons why your car’s fuel efficiency might be declining—and what you can do to fix it.



What Causes Poor Gas Mileage?

There are several reasons your car could be burning fuel faster than usual, and many of them are simple fixes when caught early. Here are some of the most common culprits:

1. Underinflated or Worn-Out Tires

Tire pressure plays a big role in fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder to maintain speed. Similarly, unevenly worn or old tires don’t grip the road efficiently, further decreasing gas mileage. Regular tire rotations, pressure checks, and proper alignments can improve your fuel efficiency.

2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Your engine needs a steady flow of clean air to operate efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to burn more fuel to compensate. Replacing a dirty air filter is a quick, inexpensive fix that can boost fuel efficiency and improve acceleration.

3. Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition System

If your car’s spark plugs are worn or misfiring, your engine won’t burn fuel as effectively. This leads to rough idling, sluggish performance, and lower gas mileage. Spark plugs should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations, but if you’ve noticed reduced performance, a tune-up might be in order.

4. Old or Low-Quality Engine Oil

Oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and ensuring smooth operation. Using old, dirty oil or the wrong viscosity can make your engine work harder and burn more fuel. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil keep your engine running efficiently and maximize fuel economy.

5. Failing Oxygen Sensors or Fuel Injectors

Your oxygen sensors and fuel injectors play a crucial role in regulating your car’s air-to-fuel ratio. If an oxygen sensor fails, it may send incorrect signals to the engine, causing excess fuel consumption. Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can also disrupt fuel distribution, leading to incomplete combustion and wasted fuel. A fuel system cleaning or diagnostic check can identify these issues early.

How to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

If you’ve noticed a decrease in gas mileage, there are several ways to boost your car’s efficiency and save on fuel costs:

• Schedule regular maintenance: Keep up with oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups.
• Use high-quality fuel and oil: Cheap fuel or the wrong oil viscosity can hurt efficiency.
• Reduce unnecessary weight: Carrying extra cargo or heavy loads burns more fuel.
• Avoid aggressive driving: Hard acceleration and sudden braking can lower fuel economy by up to 30%.
• Check your alignment: Misaligned wheels create drag, forcing your engine to work harder.

At Mastertech Auto Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing fuel efficiency problems. Whether you need a tune-up, fuel system cleaning, or diagnostic test, our ASE-certified technicians will help maximize your vehicle’s performance and fuel savings.

Get Back to Better Mileage – Schedule a Checkup Today!

A drop in fuel efficiency is often a sign of underlying vehicle issues that need attention. At Mastertech Auto Repair, we help drivers in Massillon, OH, improve their gas mileage through expert maintenance and repairs. If your MPG is dropping, your car is sluggish, or your check engine light is on, don’t wait—schedule an inspection today and start saving at the pump!