For any car owner, there is no expense that we tend to watch more closely than our fuel costs. Many of us keep an eye on the local prices, ensure we drive as efficiently as possible, and even decide to take a walk when they get too high. But what if it’s an issue with your car that’s causing your fuel costs to eat up your budget? If any of the following are affecting you, that might well be the case.
Faulty Engines
The most common reason for your fuel costs suddenly jumping is a fault with your engine. Simply put, when your engine isn’t running at its best, then it’s more likely to waste fuel through misfires, overheating, or bad combustion. Other problems like clogged air filters and faulty spark plugs cause your engine to work harder to maintain consistent output, which in turn also consumes a lot more fuel. As such, you should ensure that you keep up with regular engine inspections, besides paying attention to your warning lights, to ensure the best health.
Tyre Problems
If it’s not a problem with the engine, then the next best guess is going to be your tyres. If your tyres are in poor condition or they’re not inflated properly, then you’re going to have more rolling resistance while driving, meaning that the engine has to work harder to keep the car going. This means that it’s going to consume more fuel. Services like Melksham Tyres can help you identify what the problem is and, if necessary, to replace tyres that are no longer fit for the road. Make sure that you check your tyre rotation and pressure on a regular basis to prevent this cost from popping up too often.
The Wrong Engine Oil
The oil that you use to lubricate the moving parts of your engine can also play a role in your fuel efficiency. Engines are designed with a specific oil viscosity in mind. If you use one that has a higher viscosity level than recommended, then the engine is going to produce more friction, requiring more fuel to make it work harder. A lower-viscosity oil can be even worse for your engine, leading to increased wear and tear. Providers like Opie Oils offer guides on what type of oil is likely to be right for your engine.
Air Conditioning Overuse
While it might make your car a lot more pleasant to sit in, using your air conditioner does impact fuel consumption. Overuse of it doesn’t just use the battery, it puts an additional load on the engine. It can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 20% in hot weather. Of course, you should keep it on if it’s overly hot and there may be a risk of overheating or dehydration without it, but you should be mindful of when you use it.
If your fuel costs jump up, it’s a good idea to investigate why that might be the case. The above are just a few examples of the issues that could be at fault.
