Car

Everything Poor Fuel Economy in Your Car Could Mean

Poor Fuel Economy In Your Car
Poor fuel economy in your car. Image credit: Adobe Stock.

If you’re constantly finding yourself at the gas station, and your car isn’t going as far as it used to, then you may be suffering from poor fuel economy. This could seem like a minor inconvenience, but things will only worsen over time. Therefore, it’s better to diagnose what the problem is. Poor fuel economy in your car could mean a few things, so find what’s ailing your vehicle and take care of it. Then, you can get back on the road in no time at all.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter in your car serves a critical function by filtering out dirt, dust, pollen, and other harmful particles from the air before they enter the engine. This process protects the engine’s internal components and helps maintain optimal performance. But things can clog over time, restricting airflow and leading to worse fuel efficiency. The engine has to work harder and consume more fuel to produce the same amount of power, but a simple cleaning or replacement can nip that issue in the bud.

Fuel Injector Failure

Fuel injectors play a key role in delivering fuel to the engine in a precise manner. Clogged or malfunctioning fuel injectors can disrupt this balance, leading to poor fuel distribution and, as a result, reduced fuel economy. Thankfully, there are signs of fuel injector failure you can look for to stop this issue before it worsens. This will help keep your car running smoothly for longer. Poor fuel economy is just one sign, but engine hiccups and misfires will also signal that it’s time to check your fuel injector out.

Worn Spark Plugs

Spark plugs play a pivotal role in the proper functioning of your car’s engine by igniting the air-fuel mixture that powers the engine. Over time, these spark plugs can wear down, becoming less effective due to constant exposure to high temperatures and pressure. This wear and tear can lead to misfires, where the spark plugs fail to ignite the mixture at the right time. It can also lead to incomplete combustion, where the fuel doesn’t fully burn, resulting in a loss of engine power and efficiency. Regular maintenance and spark plug replacement can help address these issues and make optimal fuel efficiency easy.

Dirty Fuel System

Dirt, debris, and buildup within your car’s fuel system significantly obstruct the flow of fuel. This obstruction leads to inefficiencies in fuel consumption and can also cause a decrease in your vehicle’s overall performance and efficiency. Regular and thorough cleaning of the fuel system is critical. It helps ensure that fuel runs to your engine efficiently. So by maintaining a clean fuel system, you’re preserving your car’s fuel economy and boosting its performance.

Poor fuel economy in your car can mean many things, but it definitely doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Instead, take care of business before the issues worsen and begin bringing down your car’s performance, efficiency, and longevity. Remember—investing time and care into your vehicle now can prevent costly repairs in the future.

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Red Lasiste is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a law student at Western Law. He is also a car enthusiast and enjoys everything financial-market and technology investment related. His hobbies include golf, travelling, hitting the gym, and playing with cats. You can follow him on LinkedIn.

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