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Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)

Posted November 16, 2025 1:16 AM

Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline.  Yeah, me neither. That’s because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle.  

One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of today’s vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage.  But you might find you’re filling up more frequently than you used to and are wondering what can cause your fuel economy to tumble.  Here are a few possible reasons your mileage has been headed downhill.

A logical spot to start is in your fuel system.  You may have a faulty fuel injector or an old fuel filter clogged with debris.  Another problem might be oxygen sensors, which measure the air coming into your engine and the emissions going out. An illuminated Check Engine light may be a sign of trouble there. Plus, worn-out spark plugs can reduce your fuel economy. 

Under- inflated, or over-inflated, tires can also be a cause. Make sure they’re all at the same pressure.  When’s the last time you changed your engine air filter? One that’s clogged and dirty can rob you of better fuel economy. Another bandit is a dirty, leaky, or clogged exhaust system, so have it checked out by a pro.

Finally, how you drive can also mean wasted gasoline. Jackrabbit starts and speeding use more fuel than smoother acceleration.  And if you often sit there with your engine idling while you’re waiting somewhere, you’re throwing fuel away.  Just turn the ignition off.

Try out some of these fuel-conserving habits and they’ll pay off for you in the long-run.

Car Doc On The Island
419 South Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 786-1595
http://www.cardocontheisland.com



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As I told Stacy and Desiree this morning. This was the most stressless, fully explained, work necessary on my 2017 Toyota Solara to ensure safe, and comfortable operation. It was the finest auto service I have ever experienced. My history with automobiles includes my Dad's ownership of a fleet of taxis and proudly have held my commercial driver's license for 58 years as well as my US Army Motor Pool Military Service I will definitely refer your shop to my friends and neighbors in Venice. While picking up my vehicle, My eight-way electronic driver's seat adjustment did not make its annoying screech and was fully operational. Thanks to the technician who probably lubricated the control
~ , 11/13/2025
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My husband and I cannot say enough good things about Car Docs. We have a 2001 Toyota Solara. This was our first time at Car Docs. We previously used another business. Stacy and Desiree, the managing office staff are friendly, courteous, and thoroughly explain all details along with the cost down to the smallest tire gauge monitor.. No surprises. Their car technicians are exceptional. Along With new tires, AC , belts, and filters. I asked to have my headlight covers refurbished. The young man Andre, worked twice as long as usual due to the terrible shape that they were in. They look brand new. Our front driver seat made a terrible screeching sound. We were told by Toyota we would need a new motor to the tune of hundreds of dollars and not to move the seat out of its current position as the motor might burn out.. Upon getting into the car just now, my husband had to readjust the seat. Guess what, no screeching. The technician who worked on our car evidently heard it and corrected the situation without it ever being mentioned to him. Car Docs and its staff are an asset to the Venice community. Thank you!
~ , 11/12/2025
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