5 Factors That Impact Your Gas Mileage

Do you ever feel like your Nissan doesn’t get the gas mileage it should? You’re not alone. Many car owners have a tough time getting good gas mileage out of their cars, regardless of their make or model. Nonetheless, there are certain things one can do to help improve their gas mileage and stretch every gallon a little further. 

Headquarter Nissan, serving Junction City, GA, is one of the best Nissan service centers and car dealerships where you can get quality car maintenance and other services at affordable rates. Keep reading to learn what factors impact the gas mileage.

1. Continuous Short Trips

If you’re someone who makes a lot of short trips in your car, that can impact your gas mileage. When you first rev up your vehicle, the engine is cold and not running at peak efficiency. So, if you’re starting and stopping your car, it has to warm up each time, which can use more fuel.

To help offset this, try to group errands to minimize the number of times you have to start your car. Of course, we know that’s not always possible, but every little bit helps!

2. Bad Quality Gasoline

One low gas mileage cause could be the type of gasoline you’re using in your car. If the octane rating is below standard, it can cause your car to have a lower fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual to see what octane rating is recommended for your vehicle, and stay within that range.

3. Dirty Fuel Injectors

Another low gas mileage problem could be dirty fuel injectors. Over time, they can become clogged with deposits and debris, impacting how well they work. When fuel injectors work properly, they help deliver the right amount of gasoline to your engine. But when they’re clogged, too much or too little gasoline can be provided, both of which can lead to low fuel economy.

4. Damaged Oxygen Sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor can also lead to low gas mileage. The oxygen sensor is located in your exhaust system and monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. When it senses too much oxygen, it sends a signal to the engine computer to adjust the air-fuel mixture so it can be burned off. 

If the sensor is damaged or not working properly, the air-fuel mixture can become too rich, which causes low fuel economy.

5. Old Spark Plugs

Another low gas mileage problem could be old spark plugs. Over time, they can become fouled with deposits, preventing them from firing properly. This can cause misfires, which waste gasoline and lead to low fuel economy.

So, there you have it, the five factors that will impact your gas mileage. Some are things you can control, and some are not. But, by being mindful of them, you can take action to improve your fuel efficiency and save money at the pump. 

If you’re exploring more ways to increase your gas mileage, check out Headquarter Nissan’s website or stop by our dealership for a service appointment. We’re serving Junction City, GA, and nearby regions. We’d love to help you get the most out of your vehicle!

Book an appointment today.