So your car’s eating more fuel than usual? You’re not imagining it. Maybe you’re filling up more often, or that fuel gauge seems to drop faster than it used to. If your driving habits haven’t changed but your fuel economy has taken a dive, it’s time to look under the hood—figuratively and literally.
Fuel efficiency can decline for a bunch of reasons, and not all of them are obvious. As a tow truck service, we often hear from drivers who broke down not because they ran out of fuel, but because a hidden problem slowly drained their tank and their wallet over time.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes—and what you can do about them.
1. Underinflated Tyres
This one surprises a lot of people. Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder. Even just a few PSI below the recommended level can impact your fuel economy.
We once helped a driver in Reservoir whose fuel consumption had jumped significantly. Everything looked fine—until we checked his tyres. All four were underinflated. A quick top-up at the servo helped restore things to normal.
Tip: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Don’t rely on your eyes—use a gauge. And always follow the manufacturer’s recommended levels (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door).
2. Dirty Air Filters
Your engine needs air to burn fuel efficiently. If the air filter is clogged with dust or debris, it can choke the system, making your car guzzle fuel just to keep going.
Older models are especially vulnerable to this. We once towed an older sedan from Pascoe Vale with a sputtering engine. Turned out the air filter hadn’t been changed in years—it was practically a rag. After a replacement, the car ran smoother and used less fuel.
A clean air filter is a cheap and easy fix that makes a big difference.
3. Bad Driving Habits
Hard acceleration, constant braking, speeding, and idling for long periods all burn extra fuel. Even using your heater or air con excessively (especially in older cars) can make a small difference over time.
If you’ve recently changed your commute route or gotten into the habit of fast starts at every red light, it could be costing you at the pump. Smooth, steady driving with gradual acceleration is not only safer—it’s way more fuel-friendly.
And if you’re using remote start every morning to “warm up the car” for 15 minutes? That’s 15 minutes of fuel burn while going nowhere.
4. Failing Oxygen Sensor or Spark Plugs
These aren’t things most drivers think about—but they’re big ones. A faulty oxygen sensor can send the wrong signals to your car’s computer, messing with how much fuel gets sent to the engine. Spark plugs that are misfiring or worn out can cause incomplete combustion, meaning wasted fuel.
We had a driver in Glenroy whose car was using nearly double the fuel it should. He assumed it was the fuel pump. But after a quick scan at his mechanic, it turned out to be a dodgy O2 sensor. Cheap part, easy fix—and back to better mileage.
If your “check engine” light is on, don’t ignore it. These types of problems often leave clues before they really hurt your fuel economy.
5. Carrying Extra Weight or Drag
Roof racks, bike carriers, and heavy loads in the boot? They all affect fuel use—especially at higher speeds. Extra weight means extra effort from your engine, and poor aerodynamics (like driving with the windows down or a roof pod installed) can add unnecessary drag.
We once helped a campervan owner in Dandenong who complained about poor fuel economy on a road trip. He’d added a roof box, bull bar, and extra jerry cans—and never adjusted tyre pressure for the added weight. Little changes like that can really add up.
If you don’t need it, remove it. Keep only what’s essential in your vehicle and ditch the roof gear when not in use.
6. Using the Wrong Fuel
It seems small, but using lower-quality or incorrect-grade fuel can affect performance and efficiency. Not all petrol is created equal, and if your car’s designed for premium unleaded, putting regular in can cause knock, sluggish performance, and—you guessed it—more fuel use.
If your owner’s manual says 95 or 98 octane is preferred, stick with it. Over time, it can make a difference not just in economy, but also in engine health.
Losing fuel efficiency isn’t always about major engine problems—it’s often a mix of small issues that slowly add up. The good news? Most of these are easy to fix or prevent with regular checks and smart habits. So next time your fuel gauge is dropping faster than it should, don’t ignore it. Your car might be trying to tell you something—and your wallet will thank you for listening.
If you are in Docklands, Victoria 3008, and looking for a nearby tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Tow Trucks
123 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
0485 856 565
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