Poor Fuel Economy? Solve it Now!

Posted on May 22, 2025 by autorepair

Are you finding yourself visiting the gas station more often than you’d like? Poor fuel economy can be a frustrating and costly problem for car owners. Whether it’s the constant strain on your budget or the inconvenience of refueling frequently, high fuel consumption affects every aspect of your driving experience. Worse still, it contributes to increased carbon emissions, making it harmful to the environment.

Fortunately, you can take steps to improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save money. This guide will explore the common causes of poor fuel economy, actionable maintenance tips, smart driving techniques, and when to ask for professional diagnostic help. Stick with us, and you’ll learn how to reduce trips to the gas station while keeping your vehicle in top shape.

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Common Causes of Poor Fuel Economy

Fixing poor fuel economy starts by understanding the root causes. Here are some of the most common culprits behind subpar gas mileage:

1. Driving Habits

Aggressive driving—including rapid acceleration and frequent hard braking—is one of the primary reasons for excessive fuel consumption. For example, studies have shown that aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway and 40% in stop-and-go traffic.

2. Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires are a lesser-known but serious contributor to poor fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Even being just a few PSI below recommended levels can significantly impact gas mileage.

3. Engine Problems

A poorly tuned engine, failing spark plugs, or clogged fuel injectors can dramatically affect your car’s performance and fuel economy. For instance, a common issue in older vehicles like the Toyota Corolla (pre-2010 models) is carbon buildup in the engine, which leads to reduced efficiency.

4. Weight and Aerodynamics

Carrying excessive weight or using roof racks hinders aerodynamics, making it harder for your vehicle to overcome wind resistance. This can lead to a measurable decrease in miles per gallon (MPG).

5. Maintenance Neglect

Skipping regular oil changes, ignoring dirty air filters, or overlooking fuel system cleaning will lead to inefficiencies over time. These small maintenance lapses add up, reducing your car’s overall fuel efficiency.

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Top Maintenance Tips for Better Fuel Economy

Regular car maintenance is crucial for optimizing gas mileage. Follow these expert tips to ensure your vehicle operates at peak efficiency:

Check Tire Pressure Weekly: Use a reliable gauge like those from Accutire to ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
Change Your Oil Regularly: Opt for high-quality full synthetic oils like Mobil 1 or Castrol to reduce friction and improve engine efficiency.
Replace Air Filters as Needed: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing the engine to work harder. Invest in high-quality brands like K&N for improved air circulation.
Use Fuel System Cleaners: Remove deposits from your fuel injectors with products like Sea Foam, which can restore lost MPG over time.
Inspect Your Spark Plugs: Faulty spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%. Replace them as specified in your car’s manual.

Driving Techniques to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Your driving style has a significant impact on fuel economy. Small changes can lead to big savings in the long run.

1. Drive Smoothly

Accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Avoid hard braking unless necessary, as smooth driving helps optimize fuel usage.

2. Use Cruise Control

Cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, especially on highways, improving fuel efficiency by up to 14%. However, avoid using it on uneven terrains like hilly roads.

3. Avoid Idling

Idling wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you’re parked or waiting for more than 60 seconds, it’s more efficient to turn off your engine and restart it when ready to move.

4. Limit Air Conditioning

Running your air conditioner places additional strain on your engine. Use it sparingly, and consider “vent” modes or rolling down your windows at lower speeds.

5. Plan Your Trips

Combine errands to minimize driving distance and avoid peak traffic times whenever possible. This will reduce stop-and-go driving, which harms fuel economy.

Advanced Diagnostics and When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, addressing poor fuel economy is beyond regular maintenance and better driving habits. Here’s how to know when it’s time to seek professional assistance:

When You Need an Expert

Check Engine Light is On: A persistent check engine light could indicate inefficient combustion or other fuel-related issues.
Worsening Fuel Economy: If your gas mileage continues to drop despite following best practices, there may be an underlying issue like a failing oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor.
Unusual Sounds or Smells: Strange noises, vibrations, or odors could signify deeper engine problems.

Advanced Diagnostics at a Repair Shop

Professionals use advanced tools to diagnose car issues that might not be visible otherwise. For example, an engine diagnostic test can identify problems with fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, or exhaust systems. Additionally, they can recommend tailored solutions for cars with a specific history of fuel economy issues (e.g., Ford EcoBoost engines).

Remember, timely inspections not only save fuel but also prevent more costly repairs down the road.

Take Control of Your Fuel Economy

Poor fuel economy doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. By understanding the causes, following a proactive maintenance routine, and adjusting your driving habits, you can reduce your fuel consumption, save money, and lessen your environmental impact.

If your car’s fuel efficiency still leaves you frustrated, it might be time to bring in the experts. Schedule a maintenance checkup with Northeast Auto Service today and ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Together, we can help you maximize your MPG and enjoy worry-free driving.

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Are Bigger Tires More Fuel Efficient?

Posted on March 14, 2022 by autorepair

With the ever-inflating gas prices today, anyone who has to drive a car is looking for ways to save on fuel. For many generations, it has been suggested that larger tires promote improved fuel efficiency; but is this true? Continue reading to learn the truth about the link between tires and gas mileage, plus what you can do to save a few bucks this year when fueling up Regardless of the size of your car tires.

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Tire Diameter Can Affect Fuel Consumption

According to many professionals in the automotive manufacturing industry, tire diameter does have an effect on how a vehicle uses fuel. After all, any change in tire diameter will impact several factors of the vehicle’s performance, from braking and acceleration to traction control, maneuvering, and of course, fuel economy. In fact, it is suggested that a car can experience up to 25% loss or gain in terms of fuel economy depending on the type and condition of the tires.

Although there are several factors that can influence such fluctuations in fuel efficiency, these four factors seem to have the most impact:

► VEHICLE WEIGHT
► TORQUE CURVE
► GEARING
► AERODYNAMICS

Tire and Engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

Industry experts also suggest that larger tires make more contact with the road per tire revolution. As a result of this increased contact, the car uses less gearing power in the engine runs at lower revolutions per minute. This promotes increased fuel economy because the car is using less gasoline to travel the same distance. Many drivers insist that taller tires can also promote better fuel efficiency due to improved wind resistance.

However, keep in mind that this notion of tire diameter and fuel economy coinciding with one another is not universal across the board with all make and model vehicles. It is important to consult with your trusted automotive mechanic in Indianapolis to ensure that your tires are in good condition and compatible with your driving objectives.

More Tips on How to Improve Gas Mileage:

► Stay current all factory scheduled car maintenance.
► Maintain proper tire inflation and tire pressure.
► Take heavy items out of your trunk or backseat.
► Avoid idling for extended periods of time.
► Practice smooth inpatient driving.
► Use the proper fluids and fuel for your make and model vehicle.
► Start a carpool club.
► Use public transportation more often.
► Repair any mechanical problems with your car right away.

Are you looking for a trusted mechanic in Indy who can help you tune up your car and save more on fuel? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional automotive service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate, or schedule service, today.

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Don’t Trust These Top 5 Fuel Efficiency Myths

Posted on November 11, 2020 by autorepair

Whether you have a brand new car or a vehicle with several thousand miles on it, it is never too late to improve your fuel efficiency. There are several reasons why all drivers should try to improve their gas mileage, but the most obvious benefit is cost savings. Saving on gas means saving more money. It also means improved fuel economy and performance for your vehicle. But don’t make the mistake of falling victim to common untruths about how to reduce gas mileage. Not only will these misconceptions waste your time, but they will also waste your money.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common myths about gas mileage, and what you can do to get your car fuel efficient in no time.

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Avoid Believing These Common Fuel Efficiency Myths

❌ Small Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage

Size has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. Everything under the hood, the materials used to manufacture the vehicle, and proper maintenance are what make vehicles fuel-efficient. Advancements in technology that promote better fuel economy include diesel engines, turbochargers, hybrid drive-trains, and low-rolling resistance tires.

❌ Manual Transmissions Get Better Gas Mileage

Although true in the past, new advancements in automatic-transmission technology has made this a modern-day myth. More gears has led to less wasted fuel and much more. Whether you choose manual or automatic, fuel efficiency will not be comprised by this decision.

❌ Old Cars Get Poor Gas Mileage

A vehicle is really only as old as its engine. And so long as the engine is properly maintained over the years of ownership and use, the gas mileage should not be affected. In fact, there is a vehicle “break-in” period (the first 5,000 miles or so) where the fuel efficiency actually improves, rather than declines!

❌ Replacing the Air Filter Will Jump-Kick Fuel Economy

If your car has an older engine with a carburetor still, then this myth is a little true. But fuel economy for modern fuel-injected cars and trucks is not influenced by a singular filter change. Fuel-injected engines delivers lower emissions and improved fuel economy. An onboard computer automatically adjusts the fuel-flow depending on the amount of air entering the engine.

❌ Premium Fuel Will Improve Gas Mileage

This will just end up being a waste of money. Premium fuel does not equal better fuel economy. In fact, using a higher-octane fuel will not alter vehicle performance at all. Only use premium gas if your vehicle’s owners’ manual suggests to; otherwise, stick to unleaded.

Want to know how to truly get better gas mileage? The short answer is staying current on all factory scheduled car maintenance and care. But, check back at the end of the month for a blog informing you on all the ways you can enhance your fuel efficiency!

Where to Get Trusted Indianapolis Auto Service at the Right Price

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair and factory scheduled maintenance for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate, today.