Reduced Fuel Economy: Why Your Car Is Using More Gas and How to Fix It
When your car starts guzzling fuel like it’s on vacation, you’re not just losing money—you’re dealing with a system that’s broken somewhere. Reduced fuel economy, the drop in how far your car travels per gallon of fuel. It’s not always about driving style or traffic. More often, it’s hidden mechanical issues creeping up quietly. Many drivers blame the price of petrol, but the real culprit is usually something simple, and fixable.
Bad spark plugs, the tiny parts that ignite fuel in your engine. Ignition system failure are one of the top reasons your mileage drops. If they’re old, cracked, or fouled, your engine misfires. That means unburned fuel escapes out the exhaust—straight out the window, literally. Worn brake pads, the friction material that stops your car are another silent thief. When pads get thin, they don’t fully release. That’s called brake drag. Your car fights itself every time you drive. You’re not just slowing down—you’re burning fuel just to keep moving. And failing fuel pumps, the component that pushes fuel from tank to engine can cause inconsistent delivery. Your engine doesn’t get the right amount of fuel at the right time, so it runs inefficiently.
It’s not just those three. A clogged air filter, bad suspension, or even low tire pressure can drag your fuel economy down. If your struts are worn, your tires bounce instead of rolling smoothly. If your tires are underinflated, they roll like they’re stuck in mud. Both cost you miles per gallon. And if your radiator is clogged or your AC is overworking because of poor airflow, your engine works harder. All of it adds up.
Most people wait until their car feels slow or smells like gasoline before they check anything. But by then, it’s too late. The damage is done, and the fuel bill is already high. The smart move? Check the basics first. Look at your spark plugs. Press your brake pedal—does it feel spongy or stay down? Listen for dragging noises when you drive. Check your tire pressure every week. These aren’t mechanic jobs—they’re five-minute checks you can do in your driveway.
Below, you’ll find real guides from UK drivers who’ve been there. From spotting worn brake pads before they ruin your rotors, to knowing when your spark plugs are done, to understanding how a bad fuel pump kills efficiency before it kills your engine. These aren’t theory pages. They’re practical fixes, backed by miles on the road and receipts at the pump. No fluff. Just what works.
