Hi all, sorry if this is a dumb question but i'm a car bonehead. My Toyota Starlet ( 1999 ) used to be very fuel efficient, once a week i'd fill it up, now its twice a week, thats a big difference. What are the major factors here in a car getting less fuel efficient? Its been serviced several times but to no avail.
Thanks.
Rob
perhaps you travel further, drive harder, now travel in traffic, have flat tyres, carry extra passengers, drive with the windows open, go up mountains. You see yours is an impossible question. Find out how many mpg you are getting, then you will know if it is far away from normal for the vehicle. Open road light use for a vehicle like that would be likely around 40mpg. town or heavy use 25mpg.
mrcheerful
thanks, i understand its a tough question. what about mechanical/engine factors?
if it is running well then there will be little difference between an ancient engine and a fresh one. check that compression is close to original, and that it is running on all cylinders, obviously check the air filter and that there isn't a rag in the inlet (seen that) obviously faulty dragging brakes can make a huge difference, likewise a slipping clutch or auto fault.
but like I said, you need to accurately monitor your mpg over a couple of tankfulls at least.
mrcheerful
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