Gas mileage is a tricky little formula because there are so many tiny factors that add up to big changes in how your engine is performing. When your car’s engine has to work too hard, that means you don’t get the mileage you expect out of each tank of gas. Here’s what Kauai Auto Repair wants you to know.
Tires
Your car’s tires and wheels affect gas mileage so much more than you think. If the air pressure is too high or too low, that means that the tires aren’t meeting the road properly and the engine has to work too hard. Also, if your wheels are misaligned or out of balance, you’re going to run into much the same problem. Protecting your tires also protects your engine and your gas mileage.
Oil
Engine oil does so much for your car’s engine, like keeping parts lubricated and clean. It also helps to keep the engine running at the right temperature. If you’re not getting oil changes as often as your car truly needs them, that’s going to impact engine performance. You’ll see that at the pump as you buy more gas but get less out of it.
Air
If your car’s engine is starved for air, that means it’s going to have problems keeping the engine running as efficiently as possible. This is why it’s so important to check the air filter and keep it clean. You also might want to have other issues checked, like that the oxygen sensor is working properly.
Fuel
There are a few ways that fuel can cause your fuel efficiency to drop. First, if there’s any sort of issue in the fuel system, it won’t deliver to the engine properly and you end up with gas mileage issues. But beyond that, you could be using the wrong gas for your car’s engine. Your owner’s manual should lay out exactly which octane levels are right for your car and that isn’t just to boss you around.
Spark
Spark is essential, or your engine doesn’t get the combustion it needs to run. That means your spark plugs have to be timed properly and they need to be in good working order. Problems with wiring, the plugs themselves, or timing throw everything off and cause misfires, which you end up seeing as poor gas mileage.
There’s a lot that you can do to get engine performance back. Give us a call at Kauai Auto Repair in Lihue, HI to take a closer look at what your car needs.
