Based on statistics, poor vehicle maintenance is one of the leading causes of bad fuel and/or oil consumption. A poorly maintained automobile is inclined to consume up to twice the amount of oil and/or fuel compared to a well-maintained car. This is one of the primary reasons why in my posts I keep on stressing the importance of keeping your auto in tiptop shape at all times.
While we’re all inclined to make excuses as to having little or no time or money to regularly conduct tune-ups and vehicle (exterior, interior and under-the-hood) checks, let me remind you that spending the time and yes, the money, to check on your vehicle once in a while should spare you the costlier expenses of needing to have your auto repaired constantly mainly because you failed to maintain it properly.
I actually had to learn the importance of vehicle maintenance the hard way. My first car exhibited signs of poor fuel consumption which I failed to check on for weeks. I found out later that the main cause was fuel tank leakage, which eventually caused bigger problems, denting my bank account quite well. If I had checked and addressed the problem sooner, then I could have spared myself from the hassle of having to spend a hundred dollars more than I should have. A simple fuel tank replacement should have saved me more gas, which is why I advise you to start checking your auto the moment you notice its gas-guzzling or oil-draining habits.
If your vehicle has been using up more gas or oil than it normally does, it’s time for you to ask yourself the following questions:
When was your last auto tune-up? In my previous posts, I’ve stressed the importance of auto tune-ups to the point of redundancy. But as I said, a tune-up could let you determine auto problems from the onset of its early symptoms, preventing the problem from getting bigger. While it may not solve all your auto problems, it does give you an idea on what you should focus on when it comes to home auto-repairs.
How much load is your vehicle carrying? If you’ve been hauling around extra baggage, even if it’s just around 100 to 200 pounds more than you usually do, then this could be the cause of your auto’s poor fuel economy. Remember, the heavier your auto, the more gas your vehicle consumes. This is the reason why trucks, SUVs, vans and APVs use up more gas compared to compact car models.
When was the last time you had an oil change? If you haven’t changed your car’s oil for a long time, then this could be the root of your auto’s oil and fuel issues.
Posted by autofrankie 
