Why Is My Car Using More Fuel Than Usual?

If you’ve noticed your fuel gauge dropping faster than usual, you’re not imagining things — and you’re not alone. Many South African drivers suddenly find themselves filling up more often, even though they haven’t changed their driving habits. The good news? There are clear reasons behind this, and most of them are fixable.

At Peers Auto Spares, we help customers every day who are frustrated with rising fuel costs. This guide breaks down the most common causes of poor fuel economy and what you can do to get back on track.

⛽ Common Reasons Your Car Is Using Too Much Fuel

Let’s look at what could be causing the problem:

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Your engine needs air to burn fuel efficiently. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your engine work harder and use more fuel. It’s one of the cheapest parts to replace — and one of the easiest to overlook.

🔧 Improve fuel efficiency with a fresh air filter from Peers Auto Spares.

2. Worn Spark Plugs

Old or faulty spark plugs can cause incomplete combustion, which wastes fuel. If your car feels sluggish or misfires, your plugs could be to blame.

⚡ Shop spark plugs that fit your car and restore performance.

3. Failing Fuel Filter

A partially blocked fuel filter reduces fuel flow and forces your fuel pump to work harder. This doesn’t just reduce efficiency — it can eventually damage the pump too.

⛽ Find fuel filters that match your vehicle’s spec at Peers Auto Spares.

4. Under-Inflated Tyres

Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, meaning your engine burns more fuel just to keep moving. Check your tyre pressure monthly and keep it at manufacturer-recommended levels.

5. Aggressive Driving

Rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding all increase fuel consumption. Smooth, steady driving saves fuel and reduces wear on your car.

💡 Bonus tip: If your brake pads are worn, your car may not roll freely — leading to increased drag and fuel use. Check our brake pads.

6. Short Trips and Cold Starts

Short drives don’t give your engine time to reach optimal temperature. Cold engines burn more fuel. Combine errands or use your car less frequently for short trips.

7. Overloaded Vehicle

Excess weight puts more strain on your engine. Remove unnecessary items from your boot, especially if you’re not using them often.

8. Old Engine Oil or Dirty Oil Filter

Dirty oil increases engine friction, which burns more fuel. If your oil filter is clogged, clean oil can’t circulate properly.

🔁 Stay fuel-efficient with quality oil filters from our range.

🚗 How to Improve Fuel Consumption

Here are quick ways to reverse poor fuel economy:

  • Replace filters regularly: air, oil, and fuel filters are all affordable and easy to change.
  • Check spark plugs: don’t wait for a misfire — replace them based on mileage or symptoms.
  • Maintain tyre pressure: keep it checked at every fuel stop.
  • Avoid idling for long periods: modern engines don’t need long warm-ups.
  • Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, and avoid sudden stops.
  • Keep your suspension and brakes in good shape: dragging brakes or misaligned wheels = wasted fuel.

🔍 When Should You Worry?

If you've:

  • Noticed a sudden drop in fuel efficiency
  • Heard new noises
  • Seen warning lights on your dash
  • Or your car feels like it’s dragging…

…then it’s time to investigate or get a basic inspection.

You don’t always need a mechanic — sometimes just replacing a filter or spark plug makes a big difference.

🛠️ Want help choosing the right part? Visit Peers Auto Spares or contact our team for expert guidance.

🛒 Where to Buy Parts That Improve Fuel Efficiency

At Peers Auto Spares, we stock:

All our products are selected for quality, reliability, and compatibility with South African vehicles.

✅ Final Thoughts

Fuel prices may be out of your control, but fuel efficiency isn’t. By taking care of your car’s core components, you can restore lost power and get more kilometers per tank.

Don't wait until you're spending too much every week — take action with simple, affordable fixes.

📦 Shop online at Peers Auto Spares to find the right parts for better fuel economy today.

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