Car experts

[elliottsmama]

We have been trying to figure out why my gas milage is slipping..any car people here? I have a 3yr old vibe, 4 cl..Check engine light went on a while back. Autozone said it had something to do with the gas area of my car. So far we have replaced the gas cap and switched to name brand gas(was using walmart) I do a lot of country driving but once I hit the tollway, its construction...is that a reason? Dan got me an oil change today(I always do this every 3ooo or so miles) and a new air filter. Trying to do things without taking it to a expensive mechanic. We have it at 28 miles to the gallon now. Not bad but with a 4cy, I think it should be better.I will be alone this winter basically and do not need car problems. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[BSeabob]

28's not bad . what were you getting b4 ?

Stop and go will of course bring it down.

 

[elliottsmama]

Near 40 at times but this summer brought on a lot of road work and since the light went on, I have been paying close attention.

 

[kpopperwell]

Usually the check engine light means a trip to the dealer for a diagnostic. I know its not good news right now but it will save problems in the future.

 

[BSeabob]

I'm no expert but.....That much of a drop and an engine lite...get it checked by someone with the proper computer reading equipment asap.

Drop not caused by anything other than an engine/vehicle problem.

 

[Rubysky]

Driving habits can cause a large change in milage.
When we had a Rabbit diesel many years ago it was rated at 50 mpg. We kept a check on it. It was mainly my car. I would get 47 to 49.2 when I drove it. When dh drove on trips it would dip to 40-42. Also when he drove it was on long trips and that was lots of freeway, no stop & go.

I won't even go into how the fuel injectors would get all sticky after a week of his driving.

 

[BP]

Name brand fuel is no different then any other Gas. Same octaine .
Make sure your tire pressure is checked once a month. That is the most over looked reason for gas mileage. If any indicator lamp come on take it in for a check before you do any damage. Fuel injectors can be a very expensive fix...Many times it will be a fuel filter problem which is a cheap and easy fix...

 

[lady-bug]

You live in the same vicinity as I do and we had one heck of a hot summer. I believe that running the AC uses up gasoline as well. See if your mileage is a bit better once the weather cools off.

I also have a 4 cylinder and I would be happy with 28 city. I think I'm getting about 24 city, at best in the summer and 35 highway.

 

[Calgon1]

Bad PVC. Get to the dealership. They'll slap it on the computer, run a fix and have you back at 40 mpg before you know it.

 

[PassthePeas]

Hope you get it figured out.. That sure beats my 10 mpg..lol

 

[islandJim]

If you are getting 28 mpg you are right in range with what that vehicle should be getting.

5-speed: 26/33 (city/highway mpg)
Automatic: 25/31 (city/highway mpg)

Jim