I have a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina Monte Carlo LS (3100 engine). There is only 25,000 (not a typo) miles on it. The car is estimated to get 20MPG city (official goverment estimate). I did a gas mileage test and it is only recieving 15.45 MPG, that is a 23% decrease from the estimated mileage. What could be the cause of such a low gas mileage (i know some trucks get better milage)?
I know I should check the spark plugs, air filter, O2 sensor, and all that. But is there a more specific cause it could be? I know the Check Engine Soon light comes on and three different places have confirmed that the gas cap has a leak (preasure seal cracked or something) and that's whats causing the light to come on. Could a damaged gas cap really decrease milage that much? Any suggestons, and/or, past experiances (especially with a similar car) would be greatly appreciated.
2006-12-08 09:57:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There are other factors that can affect gas mileage. Tire pressure, driving habits, weather, and state of tune can all affect gas mileage. One thing to keep in mind is that the government figure is just an estimate, computed under controlled conditions. Real world figures are almost always lower. A cracked gas cap seal should not affect your mileage significantly. Keep your tires aired up, drive with a light foot on the gas, and keep your car tuned up. These are your best bets for better gas mileage.
2006-12-08 10:05:01 · answer #1 · answered by Trackerrrr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a lumina and you need a complete tune up(plugs,wires,fuel filter,etc). I'm guessing with that mileage that none has ever been done. Try a fuel system cleaning at a shop, not just fuel system cleaner that you put in the tank. Being winter time the car needs to run richer to warm up to operating temperature. So, you'll use more gas that way.
2006-12-08 18:11:14 · answer #2 · answered by R L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A gas cap leak is a problem, yes. Also consider how many short trips you make. If you make many short trips (by short I mean under 5 miles) you are not allowing the engine to heat sufficiently. The "normal" operating temperature is the optimal operating range for efficiency. A tune up would be helpful. Check the tire pressure, also.
2006-12-08 18:09:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My friend had the same problem on his dodge truck. He replace the cap and did actually get more miles out of his tank.
And if you hot rod it around that's gonna decrease your milage. Keeping your foot out of the floor will help out a bit.
A complete tune up will help, as said by another poster.
2006-12-08 18:07:34 · answer #4 · answered by fast_bird94 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any one these things could cost you 20% fuel economy.
- Using the air conditioning or defroster all the time
- An unconscious habit of resting your foot on the brake pedal
- Your commute is downtown city streets, or stop-and-go traffic
- A habit of driving aggressively instead of driving gently
Lousy mainentance could do it too, but it'd have to be pretty lousy, or a bunch of problems added up.
2006-12-08 18:36:23 · answer #5 · answered by Wolf Harper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do a complete tune-up and hows your driving habits,also clean out the throttle body.change that gas cap,because they run on pressure.if its damaged then get a new one.
2006-12-08 18:04:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main cause of your bad fuel economy is that you bought an American car. American cars are not good in fuel efficiency. If there is any opportunity available, you should throw that piece of trash away and get an import.
2006-12-08 18:37:14 · answer #7 · answered by cognac_scotch 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋