Posted on 8/28/2026
Fuel economy tends to change gradually, which makes a drop in MPG easy to miss. You might notice that a tank no longer lasts as long as it used to, or that your usual commute takes a little more fuel even though your driving habits have not changed much. Some variation is normal because traffic, weather, trip length, and how much time the engine spends idling all affect mileage. But when fuel use stays higher for several tanks, it is worth checking the condition of the engine, tires, and systems that affect how efficiently the car moves. Start With Tire Pressure and Rolling Resistance Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, so the engine has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving. Even a modest pressure difference can also change handling and tire wear. Check tire pressures when the tires are cold and use the specification listed for the vehicle, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. We also look for uneven tread wear, alignment prob ... read more