Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)
January 18, 2026
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.
Tire Warehouse Depot
250 N. Lapeer Rd.
Lake Orion, Michigan 48362
248-929-0699
Need Service?
More articles from Tire Warehouse Depot

Why Maintaining Your Windshield Wipers and Washers Matters (Windshield Wiper and Washer Inspection)
February 8, 2026
What do mud, bird droppings and frost all have in common? When theyre covering your windshield, they can temporarily obscure your view of the road, leaving you driving blind. And when you cant see the road clearly ahead of you, it can be really scary. Thats one of the reasons its important to m... More

No Charge (Why Won?t My Battery Hold a Charge?)
February 1, 2026
When your vehicles battery is dead, it leaves you with that horrible, helpless feeling. A dead battery means it wont hold a charge, and there are several reasons it wont. One is age. Batteries have chemical and electrical systems in them that create power, and as time goes by, they wont work we... More

See the Light (Bulb Replacement)
January 25, 2026
When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, its important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again. Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but its also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so o... More
