What could be wrong when your car is a major GAS HOG????

Question

I filled my 98 Buick Regal up this past Tuesday and it was on 1/4 of a tank by Friday! I know I need to take it to have it looked at but I cannot afford that right now. I wonder if it is the air filter needing replaced? Any mechanics out there that can answer my question?

Answer 1

Well, I could brag about how long I've worked on cars or how many shops I owned/work in. Nahhhh, not gonna.
Air filter will not cause excessive fuel consumption. That would cause lack of power above all else and also burn oil.
You probably need and new Oxygen sensor or coolant temp sensor. If the oxygen sensor tell the computer that it is lean the computer will add as much fuel as it can to try to make the failed sensor switch. If the coolant temp sensor tells the computer that it is cold the computer will add alot more fuel to help keep the engine running while cold (in this scenario the computer will never even look at the oxygen sensor it will run in closed loop operation and base fuel trim off of look up tables).
The coolant temp sensor will most lokely not set a code or turn on check engine light because a cold engine is a normal condition (happens every day right?) and the computer probably wont see anything wrong with this.
Oxygen sensor will set a code and will turn on the light. You need to get this fixed pretty soon before it causes damage to your catalytic convertors ( they are very expensive ).
The people at auto zone will read your OBDII codes for free and offer advice, but they are not professional technicians they are parts salesmen. So consider the source.
good luck!

P.S. beware the people above me. The EGR valve will NOT cause this problem, It will make your car not start or die while driving.
Your car does not have a carburator so Mr. Toyota is on crack, heh 8 year old crack btw.
Ironhand has his stuff together and his answer makes good sense.

Answer 2

Using 3/4 tank in 4 days---that could be good (1000 miles) or bad (never left the driveway) Has anyone tried to steal your fuel? Any signs of tampering around the fuel door?
Is the Check Engine light on? If so, begin there. Find out why.
If your air filter is the cause, It would not have SUDDENLY begun to use fuel.
There are many things that will cause the loss of fuel economy;
Stuck open thermostat
Dirty air filter
Dragging brakes or parking brake
Engine computer components our of range
Transmission not shifting into high range
Needs tune-up
Tires under-inflated
The list could go on and on.
If none of the above help you out, then you are going to have to bite the bullet and pony up for a little repair shop work.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Check the Air filter. Also check your fuel filter. That is a big gas saver. Also add additives like fuel injection to clean your system out. Constant oil change and basic maintenance. will keep your gas down. Also if in the summer ride with windows up and ac on. Aerodynamics improves gas mileage. Don't brake to hard or try speeding or pumping the gas to speed it all affects ur gas mileage.

Answer 4

well i work for toyota , but i think you car need a major tune up including an fuel injection cleaning if your car is fuel injected , if not thats another factor , carburator cars waste more gas due to the way they work so if you buick is a 6 or 8 , but not properly carbutared it will waste gas , that means that you car could be running real rich (that means is sucking more fuel than need it )
my advise have it tuned by a truted mechanich and yes that includes, air filter oil change , spark plugs and add a fuel cleaner to the tank to enhance the way it run also check the timing

Answer 5

you need to know what are the required maintainence for your car depending on the mileage that it has at present and change the needed parts,if you have an owner,s manual you can search inside and it will tell you if you need to change anything and what,I suggest that you read it before you decide to do any repairs,one other thing to do is find out how much gas you are burning at present per mile and do a manufacturer comparison so that you can guage your improvments after repairs are made,good luck ,delmy d

Answer 6

there are several reasons that this can happen. the air filter is one possible answer but it will have to be really cloged to cause this much change. Another valve called the EGR valve will cause this problem.Before you go buy anything check that all of the small vaccuum lines are attached. If one of these are unplugged, cut, or smashed it will cause whatever it is attached to not to work properly.