Q: Mpg going down

asked by on November 23, 2016

When i first bought the car few months ago it was giving 38mpg as weeks went pass by it started to get lower and recently i had breathibg filter changed and its gone to 26mpg now. What can be the cause

My car has 137000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Car is getting worse gas mileage Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. If the gas mileage has gotten worse since you replaced the air filter you will want to look into that first. It may be installed upside down or improperly. If the air filter is not the issue, then you should check the duct work and air filter housing. If there is a leak and the air pressure and vacuum levels are abnormal, the engine will be confused and run poorly. The spark plugs and ignition system can also have the same effect. When was the last time you had the spark plugs changed? You may want to do this just as normal maintenance, as it will not hurt the vehicle and can only improve the drivability. If the ignition system is working correctly, you will want to make sure your fuel filter and injectors are clean and working correctly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What is the best way to keep children safe with air bags?
It is very unsafe to have an infant or a child come into contact with the front air bags. To keep children and infants safe, always place them in a back seat, and make sure they are properly buckled up....
I have a Mercedes 280 SL, 1985, WDB1070421A020760, many times it just stop while driving or at a stop. I have changed the fuel pump
Wow! A 280 SL with a manual gearbox is a rare machine indeed! It looks like you've eliminated a few of the prime suspects. The fuel pump relay would have been my first guess. But it looks like you've already...
Not sure if hose or water pump is the issue. Bad leak spraying coolant on belts. Could it be a hose or water pump?
Water pumps have weep holes, through which coolant can leak if the pump is failing, but those weep holes are are relatively small. Consequently, the leak is more likely due to a fairly large hole, or tear, in a rubber...
I get a misfire on cylinder 4. After the car warms up it runs fine. Could it be plugs?
As a general rule, car engines do not like cold weather and do not do operate as well in cold weather. When you start your car in the morning and turn the key to on, the coolant temperature sensor immediately...
whats the cost to replace a bumper, hood, header panel, left and fight fender and core support
A body shop would need to be consulted for doing body work and replacing large components and panels.
Engine in limp mode-- transmission has been checked and found to be fine. 2002 GMC Yukon XL
Hi there - the first task for a "limp mode (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/car-stuck-in-limp-mode)" warning is to check for problem codes, even if they are intermittent, and whether the Check Engine light is on or not. Find out what is causing the Low...
I installed a new starter...after start up constant grinding noise occurs
What you are describing sounds like a faulty starter solenoid or quite likely a misaligned starter. A faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and...
Does my 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt have 2 timing chains?
Hi Tiffany. Thanks for contacting us today. I think your mechanic is simply confused with the nomenclature, but there are (2) chains that comprise the timing system on a 2.2 Ecotec engine. The first is the timing chain, which is...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW 3-Series
The The 2012 BMW 3-Series has been wildly popular in the US since it was first introduced in 1975. This series of luxury sedans sets itself apart from other luxury models with its superior performance and driving dynamics. No matter...
BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Shopping Shopping for a used BMW vehicle often leads many drivers to consider certified pre-owned options. BMW is one of many manufacturers that have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program. Each car manufacturer structures their CPO program differently; read on to...
How to Use a BMW With Comfort Access Technology
The The BMW comfort access technology was introduced in 2002 as a keyless remote system that uses sensors to detect where the owner is in proximity to the vehicle within 1.5 meters (about 5 feet), allowing him or her to...