Have you noticed lately that you need to fill-up your vehicle more often than needed? A sudden drop in fuel levels can be blamed on several factors. There are some serious factors and some minor that can be easily changed.
Proper maintenance does not only improve the lifespan of the vehicle but can also have a great impact on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
8 FACTORS:
1. Driving habits
→ Are you an aggressive driver, guilty of speeding and excessive braking.
→ Keeping the engine running (idling) for long periods while waiting.
2. Tyres
→ Incorrect tyre pressure, worn tyres or are out of alignment can cause a drop in fuel efficiency.
3. Motor Oil
→ Have you had your oil changed recently?
→ Are you using the correct motor oil for your vehicle?
4. Faulty Spark Plugs
→ Leads to misfire in the engine which will relate to poor engine performance, causing a drop in fuel efficiency.
5. Faulty/ Dirty Oxygen Sensor
→ Responsible for air-to-fuel ratio, a faulty sensor can send the wrong measurement, telling the Engine Control Unit to inject more fuel than what is needed. Adding unnecessary additional fuel to the system.
6. Clogged Air filter
→ The air filter can get clogged over time, restricting the amount of air to enter the engine, thus making the engine work harder and affecting the performance of the vehicle.
7. Clogged/ Faulty Fuel Injectors
→ Injectors supply fuel to the engine. When faulty/ clogged, less fuel will be injected into the engine, the engine starts losing power leading to a drop in fuel efficiency.
8. Driving with the AC on
→ Using the Air conditioning can put a lot of strain on your engine.
SOLUTION:
→ Adjust your driving habit
→ Regular maintenance on your vehicle, checking the tyre pressure, changing filters and oil checks when needed.
Also view:
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Vehicle Checklist, Roadworthiness and Safety on the Road
Vehicle maintenance and safety guide to the roadworthiness of vehicles