Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)
November 23, 2025
Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline. Yeah, me neither. That’s because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle.
One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of today’s vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage. But you might find you’re filling up more frequently than you used to and are wondering what can cause your fuel economy to tumble. Here are a few possible reasons your mileage has been headed downhill.
A logical spot to start is in your fuel system. You may have a faulty fuel injector or an old fuel filter clogged with debris. Another problem might be oxygen sensors, which measure the air coming into your engine and the emissions going out. An illuminated Check Engine light may be a sign of trouble there. Plus, worn-out spark plugs can reduce your fuel economy.
Under- inflated, or over-inflated, tires can also be a cause. Make sure they’re all at the same pressure. When’s the last time you changed your engine air filter? One that’s clogged and dirty can rob you of better fuel economy. Another bandit is a dirty, leaky, or clogged exhaust system, so have it checked out by a pro.
Finally, how you drive can also mean wasted gasoline. Jackrabbit starts and speeding use more fuel than smoother acceleration. And if you often sit there with your engine idling while you’re waiting somewhere, you’re throwing fuel away. Just turn the ignition off.
Try out some of these fuel-conserving habits and they’ll pay off for you in the long-run.
Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston
2017 E. Malone
Sikeston, Missouri 63801
573-472-1139
http://www.charliesfastlubesikeston.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston
When Your Tires are Tired (Tire Replacement)
March 29, 2026
Tires are so reliable these days that few drivers pay much attention to them. But tires wear out. They have a tough job since they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They have to get your vehicle going from a stop, keep it going, make sure it is headed in the dire... More
Making Sense of the O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor Replacement)
March 22, 2026
As you know, todays vehicles rely on a lot of computers in them to keep them running clean and efficiently. Those computers depend on information delivered by several sensors throughout the engine and exhaust system. And one of the most important is the oxygen sensor. Known as the O2 sensor f... More
How Far We've Come (Newer Vehicle Technology)
March 15, 2026
Automotive design has come a long way since the days of the Model T, especially when it comes to safety technology. You can thank computers for a lot of the latest innovations. Here are a few that have been making their mark in recent years. Adaptive cruise control. This is cruise control with... More