Why Am I Getting Bad Gas Mileage?

There are several causes for bad gas mileage. Poor maintenance practices, everyday driving habits, and more can cause more frequent trips to the pump. If your tank is always empty, you may need to get on a regular service schedule or look for bad habits to curb. The first step is understanding how regular service appointments and driving affect how many miles per gallon.

Causes of Bad Gas Mileage

Skipping Regular Maintenance

Improper maintenance is one of the most common causes of bad gas mileage. Manufacturer-recommended service schedules are designed to keep your vehicle running at maximum efficiency. Commonly overlooked services include:

• Tire Pressure: chronically underfilled tires create unnecessary drag. Frequently checking tire pressure is an easy way to minimize fuel inefficiency. Regular alignments and rotation also eliminate drag and improve efficiency.
• Oil: Engine oil thickens as it ages and can gather debris as the engine runs. Clean oil makes it easier for your engine to run and reduces the amount of fuel burned.
• Fuel Injectors: A clogged or faulty fuel injector can cause a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
• Exhaust Systems: A sudden drop in gas mileage may indicate an exhaust pipe leak, oxygen sensor fault, catalytic converter issue, or muffler problem. Regular maintenance can spot and prevent these issues.

Driving Habits

• Air Conditioning: The more you run your AC, the worse your gas mileage will be. Try to open the windows when possible to let the fresh air into the cabin, and use your AC sparingly during those hot Exton summers.

Another way to improve your gas mileage is to adjust your driving habits. Here are some of the most valuable ways to boost your driving efficiency in Chester Springs:

• Drive with Caution: Aggressive driving makes your engine work harder than it needs to, which means burning more fuel than necessary. Avoid a lead foot while accelerating, and maintain a moderate speed.
• Brake with Purpose: Just as you should drive with caution, you should also brake with caution. Rather than slamming on the brakes, try to coast to a stop smoothly when possible.
• Avoid Idling: Idling is a massive waste of fuel, so minimize it when you can. Try to park or put your car in neutral when you need to wait.

Schedule Your Next Service with Land Rover West Chester

So, what causes bad gas mileage? Our factory-trained service technicians would be happy to troubleshoot the issue with your at Land Rover West Chester, so schedule your next appointment in West Chester today. And if you have additional questions about bad gas mileage, feel free to contact us!