Fuel mileage is an important variable. Not only does it help you to keep up with how much gas you’re buying and using, it also helps you to understand how efficiently your engine is working. Here’s some information from MotivWerks that can help you to understand how it all fits together.
Issues in the Engine or Fuel System
Your car’s engine relies on a complicated series of systems that all work together to keep the engine and the car running. If there isn’t enough fuel or the fuel is contaminated, that’s a problem that shows up in how the engine uses fuel. Same if there’s a problem with air or spark, too. Any of those can cause your car’s engine to run inefficiently.
Incorrect Air Pressure in the Tires
Tire pressure is so much more important than most car owners realize. When tire pressure is either too low or too high, that can cause the car’s engine to work harder. That, in turn, causes fuel efficiency problems that might seem inconsequential at first, but they really do add up.
Driving Habits
Your own driving habits factor in, too. When you’re expecting a lot from your car’s engine, you’re inadvertently making it work harder than it should. Aggressive driving, driving too fast on a consistent basis, and braking too hard are all part of what you contribute to bad gas mileage as a driver. All of the decisions that you make behind the wheel affect the car and how the engine functions.
Missed Engine Services
Service appointments are sometimes tough to remember, but when you keep up with them consistently, that’s going to pay off for your engine. You might be tempted to only prioritize the services that you think are going to do the most good for your engine, but here’s a surprise. Every service from wheel balancing to oil changes benefit your car’s engine and keep it running properly. Sticking to the schedule laid out by your car’s manufacturer is going to support the engine continuing to be as efficient as possible.
Figuring out exactly what is keeping your car from getting the best possible fuel mileage can feel complicated on your own. MotivWerks in Chambersburg, PA is here to help. Simply give us a call and we can set up a time to give your car a closer look through diagnostic testing. We’ll help you to get to the bottom of whatever issues are plaguing your car.