why do i get poor gas milage?

Question

i have a 95 civic ex coupe. i get about 250 miles out of a tank of gas. i was getting over 300. what should i do?

Answer 1

Others have said it but make sure all your tires are properly inflated. Check the tires when they are cold, before you have driven more than a mile. Inflate them to at least 32 pounds per square inch (psi), and you might try 33 or 34 psi. Do not go higher than 35 psi, as that is the maximum inflation rating for most tires today.

A dirty air filter will seriously hurt your gas mileage. A new filter costs less than $10, so change it just to be sure.

Fresh oil will help a little, so if it's been a while since your last oil change, get it changed. I recommend a good synthetic oil, such as Mobil One.

A full tune-up (including spark plugs, wires, filters, etc.) is also good for gas mileage, especially if you can't remember the last time you got one.

Finally, a worn out oxygen sensor will slowly hurt your car's gas mileage, even if it seems to be running fine.

Answer 2

Short answer -- tune up. It depends on what kind of preventative maintenance you have been doing or have had done on your car; have you had the oil changed regularly? Other fluids checked and topped off? Flushes performed? Things to look for: change the oil (including the oil filter), fuel system flush (gunk can clog up the fuel lines and give inconsistent fuel flow to your engine), air filter change, timing belt replacement (misfires of your engine can simply spew unburnt fuel out your tailpipe, which is generally a bad thing), O2 sensor check (your car should regulate the fuel and air mix based on how much air is available). I'll assume your driving style and habits haven't changed, but you should definitely try not to drive over 70 on the freeway (over 60 mph, every 10 mph more that you speed, you lose about 3-4 mpg milage) Last thing I can think of is to check the inflation on your tires -- underinflated tires are obviously smaller, and have to turn more revolutions to travel the same distance, thereby wasting gas. You'd be amazed how much that helps.

Answer 3

You probably need an oil change and/or tune-up. You also may need a fuel system cleaning. My 93 Civic EX Coupe used to do the same thing when it got older if I let it go too long without servicing. Jiffy Lube usually did my fuel injector cleanings and changed my air filter, and my milage came back up. Also, you may need to give your car a good long highway drive.

Answer 4

Bet you any money your air filter needs replacing, try a service too while you're at it, have a 98 civic and it started drinking gas at one stage, was fine again, if not better after a service where the oil and air filter and oil were replaced.

Answer 5

get a tune up, check the tires, even with 300 that is pretty bad for a honda, my ford probe gets over 400 a tank, i think its a 11 or 12 gallon tank, i usually put about 10-11 gallons in it.

Answer 6

1st - Take it in for a proper tune up. Oil & Filter change, Air Filter,
Tire pressure (need new tires?), plugs?

2nd - Have you been using A/C? Windows open all the time? You get lower mileage with both.

3rd - perhaps you are driving it harder? perhaps?

Maybe even a fuel additive when you fill up every other tank.

Answer 7

Change your air filter and get an oil change. The air filter is important to keep the engine running cleanly. People forget they have an air filter till they take it out and can't see through it. The oil change also keeps your engine running smoothly. Trust me, I had my last car for 20 years and over 400,000 miles.

Answer 8

Tires must be low on air. Also if you open the windows it slows the aerodynamics of the car. Try using a high grade gas also and tune-up the car.

Answer 9

Get a full service and a tune. Tell them about the problem and they will check all the basics that could cause it. Consider using another brand of fuel to see if that helps.

Answer 10

One thing you may want to do to cut down on your gas usage (especially during the summer months) is to cut down on your use of the air conditioner. When you use the air conditioner in your car, it requires energy (gas) for it to produce cold air, thus cutting down on your gas mileage. Drive with your windows rolled down if it's too hot. I found this out recently and my gas mileage has gone up quite a bit.