Did you know that drivers in Seattle, WA spent 63 hours in traffic congestion in 2024? That works out to over $1,200 per driver for the year, just sitting in traffic. Now, imagine your vehicle had a ‘minor’ fuel leak for the whole year. Losing fuel due to a leak and poor vehicle performance means more trips to the gas station, refilling your tank. Those additional tanks of gas can easily cost you more during the year than the cost of the repair would have. Leaking gas wastes resources and reduces fuel efficiency, so if you drive in Kirkland, WA, schedule an auto maintenance service regularly to save money.
What Is Fuel Efficiency?
Fuel efficiency is a term that describes how a vehicle uses fuel. It measures the effort required to convert chemical energy from fuel into the kinetic energy your car requires to move.
Common Causes Of Poor Fuel Efficiency
Regardless of which type of car you drive, some common reasons may contribute to poor fuel efficiency. So, if you are getting fewer miles out of a tank of gas, you may want to inspect your vehicle (or schedule a diagnostic service) for the following issues.
Clogged Fuel Filters
Your fuel filter removes particles from the fuel that feeds your combustion engine. Clogged fuel filters restrict the flow of fuel, creating more stress on the engine and increasing the pressure within the fuel system. Increased pressure often adds additional stress to the filter connection and seal, causing a potential fuel leak.
Damaged Gas Cap
Your vehicle’s gas cap is most likely plastic with an inner rubber seal. These materials degrade over time, allowing gas fumes to escape. These escaping fumes may alter the fuel system pressure, triggering a Check Engine warning light. You can easily purchase a new gas cap from your local auto part store and swap it out for the damaged one.
Dirty Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are part of your vehicle’s fuel injection system (in almost all modern cars). Dirty fuel injectors negatively affect vehicle performance and fuel economy.
Faulty Fuel Pump
Your vehicle’s fuel pump sends pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors. A faulty pump doesn’t provide consistent fuel flow, resulting in inferior performance and poor fuel efficiency.
Leaking Gas
Unfortunately, leaking gas can be quite common in automobiles. Sometimes, the leaks are manufacturing defects, and sometimes, they occur over time due to normal vehicle wear and tear. Did you know that auto manufacturers issue recalls over fuel leaks every year? Common sources of leaking gas or diesel fuel are:
- Fuel Lines
- Fuel Pump
- Gas Tank
- Seals & Gaskets
Preventing fuel leaks helps mitigate excess fuel usage, which saves consumers money. Plus, it’s better for the environment and overall driver health.
Ways To Improve Your Fuel Efficiency
Do you reset the mileage tracker in your dashboard each time you refill your gas tank? If you don’t, you should start. It’s a great way of tracking how many miles you travel with each tank of gas. I usually get around 245 miles per tank, so I instantly know something is wrong when that number goes down. Since each car is different, and your driving habits differ from mine, your mileage will vary. The key is to track your numbers month by month and take action immediately when fuel efficiency changes.
Routine Auto Maintenance
Practicing routine auto maintenance is the best way to maintain your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance levels. The cost of regular maintenance is often much lower than emergency repairs and replacements due to ignored issues. Read your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended service intervals for routine auto maintenance tasks like:
- Oil Changes
- Tire Pressure
- Wheel Alignment & Rotation
And don’t forget the big-ticket service items at key mileage markers like:
- 20,000-30,000
- 50,000-60,000
- 75,000-90,000
- 100,000-150,000+
Fix Automotive Issues Promptly
It may seem trivial to ignore dashboard warning lights for a week or two, especially if you’re busy at work or short on funds. However, ignoring your vehicle performance issues and delaying auto maintenance or repairs can actually end up costing you more money in the long run. Auto technicians often find minor problems during oil changes or tire rotations because they know what to look for.
For example, the technician notices your worn-out brake pads during your tire rotation service. The pad replacement is faster because the wheels are already off the car. You get instant cost savings, plus your car is safer to drive. If you put off replacing worn brake pads to ‘save money,’ you may also have to replace damaged rotors or calipers later, as well as new pads.
Auto Maintenance & Repairs in Kirkland, WA
Routine auto maintenance, including oil changes, wheel alignment, and tire rotation, can identify minor issues before they become major expenses. At Fisher’s Auto Service, Inc. in Kirkland, WA, our trained service technicians can locate leaking gas problems and restore your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Schedule Fuel System / Leaking Gas Service
Call us at (425) 823-4441 or visit us online to make an appointment today!
You can also stop by the shop Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to speak with a staff member about your concerns.
Fisher’s Auto Service
11926 124th Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98034