Car Fuel Efficiency: Uncovering The Reasons For Increased Consumption

There are many reasons why your car could be burning more fuel than normal. From the wrong tyre pressure to a slipping clutch, a faulty exhaust or burnt-out spark plug, all of these mechanical issues will cause your car to have to work harder, using more fuel to match your usual performance. Aggressive driving, exceeding normal speed limits and excessive idling increase fuel consumption. Spark plug issues and dirty sensors may also negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Tyre pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure is one of the many reasons why your car could be burning more fuel than normal. Whether your tyres are under or over-inflated, running them at incorrect pressures will affect your car's performance and fuel economy.

Having dirty spark plugs can cause bad MPG. When fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber, but the spark does not ignite the fuel, it doesn’t combust, the fuel gets wasted, and causes bad gas mileage.

Aggressive driving, exceeding normal speed limits and excessive idling increase fuel consumption.

Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. These sensors help your ride’s computer correct the air-to-fuel ratio in your engine. If your oxygen sensors are dirty, they can give incorrect measurements. This can trigger your fuel injectors to deliver more fuel to the engine than what’s needed.

Spark plug issues

Spark plugs are a crucial component of your car's engine. They are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, which powers your car's engine. If your spark plugs are not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of issues that can cause your car to burn more fuel than normal.

One common issue with spark plugs is wear and tear. Over time, spark plugs can become worn out and less effective at igniting the air-fuel mixture. This can cause your engine to misfire, which means that some of the fuel is not being burned efficiently. As a result, your car will need to burn more fuel to maintain its performance, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Another issue that can arise with spark plugs is fouling. Spark plugs can become fouled with deposits of carbon, oil, and other substances. This can prevent the spark plug from igniting the air-fuel mixture properly, leading to misfires and increased fuel consumption. Fouling can be caused by a variety of factors, including the use of low-quality fuel, excessive idling, and the presence of contaminants in the fuel.

In addition to wear and tear and fouling, spark plugs can also become damaged due to electrical issues. If the spark plug's coil or wire is damaged, it may not be able to produce a strong enough spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture. This can cause your engine to misfire and burn more fuel than normal.

To address spark plug issues, it is important to have your car's spark plugs inspected and replaced regularly. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, fouling, or electrical issues, it is recommended to have your spark plugs checked by a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the appropriate course of action, which may include replacing the spark plugs or addressing any underlying electrical issues.

Dirty sensors

Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. These sensors help your ride’s computer correct the air-to-fuel ratio in your engine. If your oxygen sensors are dirty, they can give incorrect measurements. This can trigger your fuel injectors to deliver more fuel to the engine than what’s needed.

The presence of carbon, old fuel, and residue cause clogging of the fuel injector. When this debris builds up it hinders the free flow of fuel. Having dirty spark plugs can cause bad MPG. When fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber, but the spark does not ignite the fuel, it doesn’t combust, the fuel gets wasted, and causes bad gas mileage.

Your engine will have to work harder, resulting in added fuel consumption. Your fuel injectors supply fuel to the engine. The spray pattern of these injectors must be precise. Once these injectors get clogged or dirty, they might not be able to spray fuel efficiently when needed.

Spark plug issues and dirty sensors may also negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy. Aggressive driving, exceeding normal speed limits and excessive idling increase fuel consumption. All-in-all, if you find that your fuel is burning more quickly than it should, come see the teams at Paul Campanella’s Auto and Tire Centers.

Clogged fuel injectors

The presence of carbon, old fuel, and residue cause clogging of the fuel injector. When this debris builds up, it hinders the free flow of fuel, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. These sensors help your ride’s computer correct the air-to-fuel ratio in your engine. If your oxygen sensors are dirty, they can give incorrect measurements. This can trigger your fuel injectors to deliver more fuel to the engine than what’s needed, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Aggressive driving, exceeding normal speed limits, and excessive idling increase fuel consumption. Spark plug issues and dirty sensors may also negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

If you suspect that your car is burning more fuel than normal, it's essential to identify the root cause and address it promptly. This will not only help you save money on fuel but also prevent potential expensive problems.

Aggressive driving

When you drive aggressively, your car's engine has to work harder, which results in added fuel consumption. This is because the engine has to work harder to maintain the higher speeds and idling required for aggressive driving.

In addition to increased fuel consumption, aggressive driving can also lead to other mechanical issues that can cause your car to burn more fuel than normal. For example, exceeding speed limits can cause tyre wear and tear, which can lead to poor fuel economy.

To avoid increased fuel consumption due to aggressive driving, it's important to drive at a safe and reasonable speed and to avoid excessive idling. You can also take steps to improve your car's fuel economy, such as checking your tyre pressure and having your wheel alignment checked and balanced.

If you're concerned about your car's fuel consumption, it's a good idea to have it checked by a mechanic to identify any potential issues. They can help you diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs to get your car back to its ideal miles per gallon (mpg).

Frequently asked questions