Why is my car mileage dropping suddenly? Common reasons and how to fix it

Why is my car mileage dropping suddenly? Common reasons and how to fix it

Introduction

Have you noticed your car’s mileage suddenly taking a hit? You’re not alone. A drop in mileage is one of the most common problems Indian car owners face. In most cases, it's a sign that something under the hood needs attention. The good news is that it's usually fixable.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons your car’s mileage might be decreasing, how to spot the early signs, and what parts you should check or replace to bring your mileage back to normal.

Common reasons your car mileage is going down

A sudden drop in mileage isn’t always related to driving habits. More often, it is linked to a mechanical issue or missed maintenance. Here are the top causes you should know about.

1. Clogged or dirty air filters

Your engine needs clean air to mix with fuel and run efficiently. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow and causes the engine to burn more fuel than necessary.

Cause: Reduced airflow to the engine

Air filters collect dust and pollutants over time. If you drive in heavy traffic or dusty environments, they can get choked faster.

Fix: Replace the air filter

Replacing your air filter is simple and can improve your mileage immediately. Follow your car’s service schedule or check more often if you're in metro cities or dusty areas.

2. Faulty oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor

These sensors help your engine maintain the correct air-fuel ratio. When they fail, your car may start consuming more fuel than required.

Cause: Worn-out or failing sensors

Sensors wear out with age or get damaged. Faulty readings can lead to excess fuel consumption.

Fix: Scan and replace faulty sensors

If your check engine light is on and you're getting poor mileage, get a diagnostic scan. Replace the faulty sensor with an OEM or high-quality aftermarket part.

3. Low tyre pressure or worn tyres

Improperly inflated tyres increase rolling resistance. This forces the engine to work harder and increases fuel consumption.

Cause: Poor tyre maintenance

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Worn or uneven tread can also reduce grip and mileage.

Fix: Maintain correct tyre pressure

Check tyre pressure at least twice a month. Replace tyres that are worn or beyond their safe usage limit.

4. Spark plug issues

Worn or dirty spark plugs lead to incomplete combustion, which causes poor mileage.

Cause: Weak ignition spark

Spark plugs wear out over time and may not produce strong sparks, especially during frequent start-stop driving.

Fix: Replace spark plugs

Use spark plugs that match your engine specifications. Replacing them on time improves ignition and helps restore mileage.

5. Fuel system problems

Issues with fuel injectors or the fuel pump can disturb fuel delivery and affect your mileage.

Cause: Irregular or imbalanced fuel flow

Clogged injectors or weak pumps result in poor fuel atomization and incomplete combustion.

Fix: Service the fuel system

You can use injector cleaners or get them serviced. Replace the fuel pump if it's underperforming, using the correct part for your car model.

6. Engine oil issues

Using old or the wrong-grade engine oil can create excess friction inside the engine. This reduces performance and increases fuel use.

Cause: Lack of lubrication

Engine oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to reduce friction.

Fix: Use recommended engine oil

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil grade. Change it at the right intervals to maintain engine smoothness and mileage.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my car not giving good mileage?

This usually happens due to clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, low tyre pressure, or faulty sensors. Even old engine oil can affect your mileage. Get your car checked and replace worn parts to restore performance.

How do I fix low mileage in my car?

Start with basics. Clean or replace the air filter, check tyre pressure, change engine oil, and inspect spark plugs. If the issue continues, get a diagnostic scan for oxygen sensor or fuel injector problems.

Can bad spark plugs affect mileage?

Yes. Bad or worn spark plugs cause incomplete fuel combustion, which lowers mileage and affects engine performance. Replacing them regularly helps maintain fuel economy.

Does tyre pressure really impact mileage?

It does. Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tyres properly inflated can improve mileage by 5 to 10 percent.

What is the best way to improve car mileage?

Stick to regular maintenance. Use the correct engine oil, keep sensors and filters clean, maintain tyre pressure, and replace parts like spark plugs or injectors when needed. Smooth driving habits also make a big difference.

Is mileage drop a sign of engine problems?

Not always, but it can be. A sudden drop in mileage could mean minor issues like clogged filters or something more serious like a failing sensor. It’s best to inspect the car early to avoid major damage.

Final thoughts

If your car is not giving the mileage it used to, it’s best to take action sooner than later. In many cases, the fix is simple. A small repair or part replacement can prevent bigger issues and help save fuel in the long run.

Autozilla makes it easy to find genuine air filters, spark plugs, sensors, and more all matched to your car model. You can shop online and get fast doorstep delivery anywhere in India.

Want to get your car’s mileage back to normal?
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