Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)
September 28, 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.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

Don?t Be Hosed (Radiator Hose Replacement)
February 22, 2026
If you are like most drivers, you dont worry too much about what shape your radiator hoses are in. But they are a vital part of your coolant system, helping carry engine coolant from the hot engine to where it is cooled off in the radiator. When the cooling system has a problem, you will likel... More

You Are the Fluid Detective! (Leaking Fluids)
February 15, 2026
When you see some liquid sitting underneath your vehicle, your mind starts churning. Is that normal? Is that something serious, or did I just spill my drink? Heres a quick list of what those fluids look, smell and feel like, as well as what they might be. No, we dont recommend you taste them to ... More

Gearing Up (Differential Fluid Service)
February 8, 2026
You may have never thought about it, but when you turn a corner, the wheels on one side of your vehicle turn at a different speed than the other side. What is this magic? The answer is something called the differential. A differential is a gear box placed between the drive wheels and needs lub... More
