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Do you ever notice why most used car buyers always look for a vehicle with low miles? It’s because mileage directly translates to how well the car maintains its fuel efficiency. It means that your car’s gas mileage can tell you a lot about its performance. Though your car is always well-polished, has a beautiful license plate topper, and even the interior is totally spotless, the poor gas mileage may be a sign of underlying issues. Poor gas mileage can be caused by a number of factors and conditions, all of which can take a toll on your wallet if you don’t take care of them. So, let’s take a closer look at them here.

Poor Ignition System Parts

If your car’s spark plugs, distributor caps, rotor arms, and ignition wiring are worn out or in bad condition, it will affect the spark energy produced by the ignition system. This, in turn, results in a decrease in fuel efficiency and poor gas mileage. The system is supposed to ignite the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber efficiently, and if it’s not functioning correctly, your car won’t get its full power output capability. Hence, the amount of fuel consumed would be greater in comparison with a healthy ignition system.

Clogged, Damaged, or Dirty Fuel Injectors

Your fuel injectors can also make or break your car’s gas mileage. A clogged fuel injector creates a slight vacuum, which can cause the engine to run lean on fuel and produce poor fuel consumption. Alternatively, a dirty or damaged fuel injector can also be one of the main culprits for low gas mileage. If this is the case, you should get your vehicle serviced by a professional technician to get the fuel injectors cleaned or replaced. A lot of car owners have seen a significant improvement in their gas mileage after having their fuel injectors serviced.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Your car’s oxygen sensor is one of the most important parts of your engine, as it helps adjust and balance the amount of air-fuel mixture used in your vehicle. When this sensor fails, engine performance is affected, and you can expect a decline in your car’s gas mileage. In most cases, a faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run poorly and consume more fuel than necessary. If you suspect that this part is causing your problem, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional mechanic for replacement or repair.

Old, Dirty Engine Air Filter

Aside from the oxygen sensor, your car’s engine needs a steady clean air supply. A clogged or dirty engine air filter can restrict air flow into your car and result in poor gas mileage. To keep the fuel economy up, regularly check and replace the air filter as needed. If you neglect this important maintenance task, you can expect a drop in your car’s gas mileage. And, of course, your car’s resale value will automatically be affected.

In short, several common culprits can lead to poor gas mileage in your car. Ignition system parts, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and air filters can all affect the performance of your engine and cause it to consume more fuel than usual. Therefore, it’s mandatory to regularly inspect these components to ensure they are functioning properly. By taking the necessary steps to keep your car in top shape, you can prevent yourself from spending more on fuel and save money in the long run.