Poor Fuel Economy Common Causes, And How To Combat Them

Poor Fuel Economy Common Causes, And How To Combat Them
Poor Fuel Economy Common Causes, And How To Combat Them

Maintenance is critical in keeping your vehicle running its best, and minimizing poor fuel economy.

So, how do you combat poor fuel economy. The only way is to follow the recommendations, pointed out, in this and most blogs out there. They all say the same thing, because that is what works.

If a vehicle is fuel efficient, you’ll be able to save a substantial amount of money. Better fuel mileage, means that the vehicle is using less fuel. In turn, this means that you don’t have to refuel your vehicle as often. As a result, letting you to save on fuel cost. Over time, these savings can add up, and reduce the overall operating cost of the vehicle.

So, knowing the common causes, of poor fuel economy, is just the tip of the iceberg. And, speaking of icebergs, winter is the worst time of year to try and combat, cold weather fuel consumption.

Poor Fuel Economy
Winter Driving

How Cold Weather Driving In Winter, Makes It Even Worse:

Excessive Idling Time

This should be a no brainer, yet parked idling vehicles are a common sight, in cold weather. Resist the temptation to idle your vehicle to warm it up. An idling engine gets 0 mpg. Start/Stop technology now confirms this, and that’s why vehicle manufactures use it. Consider also that an idling engine, does nothing to warm up the tires and drivetrain.

Poor Fuel Economy
Idling Gets You Nowhere

Even in the coldest weather, you can begin driving after 30 seconds, from a cold start. However, keep speeds low/moderate and use gentle acceleration, until the temperature gauge starts to climb.

Low Tire Pressure, And Increased Rolling Resistance

All vehicle driving sites and magazines tell you the same thing, and that’s for a reason. If your tire pressures are low, you will be increasing the rolling resistance, of the tire on the road. Consequently, that will be robbing your fuel efficiency, causing poor fuel economy.

Poor Fuel Economy
Winter Driving

So, a 10 degree (F) change in ambient temperature, equates to a 1 psi change in tire pressure. Therefore, fuel economy declines 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in tire pressure. Also, rolling resistance at 0 degrees F is 20% greater, than at 80 degrees. Now you can see the impact tires have on fuel efficiency.

Crappy Road Conditions

Driving through slush and snow, requires more power. To get more power, you burn more fuel. And, then there’s your wheels spinning, because of less traction on ice and snow. So, here you can see that winter causes you to use way more fuel.

Lower Average Engine Temperature

In the winter, an engine takes longer to reach operating temperature, and cools off faster when shut off. Since the engine needs a richer mixture when cold , more fuel is being burned.

Higher Average Lubricant Viscosity

Engine oil gets thicker as it cools. So does transmission and differential fluids, and even bearing grease. Significantly more energy is needed to overcome the added drag, these cold lubricants cause.

Engine Oil Additives - Seems To Be, The Elephant In The Closet
Engine Oil Additives – Seems To Be, The Elephant In The Closet

Using synthetic fluids can address this problem, since their viscosity changes less at extreme temperatures, than traditional mineral fluids.

Weaker Winter Fuel

Fuel doesn’t vaporize easily, at very cold temperatures. So oil companies formulate fuel differently for cold weather markets in the winter. Unfortunately, the changes that provide better cold vaporization characteristics, also result in less available energy for combustion. You won’t get as far on a liter of winter fuel, as you will on a liter of summer fuel. Poor fuel economy will get better, if you follow theses recommendations.

Higher Electrical Loads

In colder temps, you use electrical accessories more often:

  • Lights, it’s darker longer in winter
  • Rear window defroster
  • Heater blower motor
  • Windshield washer pump

More Aerodynamic Drag

A vehicle’s aerodynamic drag is proportional to air density, and the density increases as temperature drops. For every 10 degree F drop in temperature, aerodynamic drag increases by 2%.


Tips And Tricks

Fuel expands in heat, so make sure to get your money’s worth. Consider trying to purchase fuel, during the coolest part of the day. For those in warm climates, this might mean a visit to the pump, early in the morning. Because, that’s when the underground tanks have had a chance to cool overnight.

Fill Up Your Tank Early Morning
Fill Up Your Tank Early Morning

Also, try to combine short trips, as the engine runs more efficiently when warm. If you’ll be idling one minute or longer, turn off the engine. Consequently, this saves money at railroad crossings, when talking out the window, or when picking up passengers.


Common Causes Of Poor Fuel Economy, May Include:

These may or may not, turn on a check engine light (CEL).

  • Sluggish Oxygen Sensors (O2)
  • Inaccurate or Defective Engine Coolant Sensor (ECT)
  • Defective Engine Thermostat
  • Engine Misfire
  • Intake Manifold or (EGR) Valve Leak
  • Worn or Fouled Spark Plugs, A common Cause Of, Poor Fuel Economy
  • Dirty Fuel Injectors
  • Low Compression
  • Wrong Oil Viscosity
  • Dirty Air Filter
  • Clogged Converter or Exhaust Restriction
  • Slipping Clutch or Transmission
  • Low Tires
  • Dragging Brakes
  • Too Much Junk in Your Trunk
  • Poor Driving Habits, Encourages Poor Fuel Economy

So, To Combat Poor Fuel Economy, You Should Also, Do The Following:

  1. Regularly changing of your engine oil, so as to reduce friction. This will help you in getting, better fuel economy.
  2. Because, your air conditioner is the worst consumer of fuel, turn it off while driving. Try using your windows to cool down.
  3. Always plan before driving. Know the specific routes that will, save on fuel consumption. Use a smooth sailing route.
  4. You should avoid idling your engine, since you waste your fuel, adding to poor fuel economy.
  5. Change your style of driving. Don’t accelerate your vehicle, when it is not needed. Because, this will increase fuel consumption.
  6. If it is possible, ensure that you lighten the load in your vehicle. This will also improve fuel mileage, reducing fuel consumption.
  7. Inflate your vehicle tires properly. Inflating them will help, in increasing your fuel economy.
  8. Finally, embrace regular maintenance, to combat poor fuel economy.
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle Maintenance

This will help you to detect factors, affecting your fuel mileage. Also, finding solutions to those factors, which may include, malfunctioning oxygen sensors (O2), injectors and air filters. Check your tire pressures regularly and make it part of your Sunday routine or something.

Conclusion

These common sense tips will go a long way, in helping combat, excessive fuel consumption. Then, watch your mpg get a little boost.

BY DANNY BENDER