Why mpg decreases

Mass airflow sensors should be cleaned with a special cleaning spray. Low-pressure tires are a common cause of worsening MPG because an underinflated tire has increased rolling resistance with the road and a slightly smaller effective diameter. Modern cars come with a tire pressure monitoring system TPMS to notify drivers when their tires need more pressure, but the warning is only triggered after a significant loss of PSI.

One of the easiest things you can do to keep up fuel efficiency is to regularly check your tire pressure and top-up with air as needed. Another smart option is to use Bridgestone Ecopia tires , which are made with fuel economy in mind.

Ecopia tires feature a low rolling resistance tread designed to help you save both money and fuel with fewer trips to the gas pump. Not only is it dangerous to drive with worn-out brake parts , but sticky brakes could also be causing your MPG to plummet.

Brake drag means your engine must constantly fight with the brakes just to move, causing fuel efficiency to drop dramatically. Be sure to check your brakes regularly — or simply bring your car into Firestone for a comprehensive brake inspection.

Just like with low-pressure tires, misaligned wheels create resistance to traveling straight down the road. Constantly fighting this resistance requires more effort from the engine and hurts fuel economy. Luckily, wheel realignment is a simple fix that can be done at any Firestone Complete Auto Care location near you. Whether your car needs new tires or a new fuel filter, your local Firestone Complete Auto Care technician can get to the bottom of your fuel problems and make things right.

Make an appointment today! We answer all your fuel and air filter questions. Ready to be your own mechanic? Not so fast! Car repairs can cause plenty of stress, but Firestone Complete Auto Care can ease your mind — and your wallet — when it comes to getting you back on the road.

Divide the miles traveled by how many gallons you put in the tank. This will give you the miles per gallon you achieved. Your driving habits play a large role in the mileage of your car. By making some changes to how you operate your vehicle, you may be able to achieve better gas mileage. Start by driving a steady 55mph, avoid hard braking and lay off the accelerator when coming from a dead stop.

Be sure to check the tire pressure, get regular oil changes, and change filters and fluids when needed to ensure that your vehicle can achieve the best gas mileage possible. There could be an underlying issue with your vehicle that your mechanic needs to diagnose. Learn more about vehicle maintenance products , find your part , or find where to buy your part today.

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

Note: Letting your car idle to warm-up doesn't help your fuel economy. It actually uses more fuel and creates more pollution. Cargo or cargo racks on top of your vehicle e. MPG tests do not account for this type of cargo. Towing a trailer or carrying excessive weight decreases fuel economy. Vehicles are assumed to carry only three hundred pounds of passengers and cargo during testing.

Running electrical accessories e. Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain or on unpaved roads can reduce fuel economy. The EPA test assumes vehicles operate on flat ground. Using 4-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are tested in 2-wheel drive. Proactive steps can be taken to improve fuel efficiency by paying attention to and changing gas-guzzling driving habits, and following a vehicle's maintenance schedule.

Improved gas mileage is good for you, good for your car, and good for the environment. Travel Cards. Lifestyle Advice. Building Credit. Career Advice. Car Insurance. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Investopedia. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Your Money. Personal Finance. Your Practice. Popular Courses. Personal Finance Family Finances.

Key Takeaways Many of us drive regularly, and car fuel and maintenance costs can take a big bite out of your budget. There are, however, ways to improve your gas efficiency and lower your driving costs. Below, we cover some ways to drive more efficiently and save some money in the process.