A couple of years back, when I filled my tank, it showed a total range of around 600 kilometers. Now, it only gets to 530 kilometers max. I’ve noticed this decline happening slowly. Does this mean there’s a problem with my car?
Have you changed how you drive recently? That might explain it.
Vine said:
Have you changed how you drive recently? That might explain it.
Not really. I still have the same work commute, and I’ve kept my tank-filling routine consistent. It’s weird how the range just keeps dropping.
@Indigo
Maybe check your tire pressure? Low pressure can reduce mileage.
@Indigo
My 2013 CX-5 shows over 700 km on a full tank, but I actually get closer to 580 most of the time. It might just be estimates.
@Indigo
It’s all based on averages. Everything you do with the car changes how much fuel it uses, and that affects the range estimate.
@Indigo
With my 2024 CX-5, the range resets when I reset the trip odometer. If I drive aggressively right after filling up, it adjusts to show less range pretty quickly.
The range is calculated from your average fuel consumption and speed. If you’ve changed your driving routes or taken trips that are out of the ordinary, it adjusts the estimate to match.
Drake said:
The range is calculated from your average fuel consumption and speed. If you’ve changed your driving routes or taken trips that are out of the ordinary, it adjusts the estimate to match.
When I tow a small utility trailer with my Mazda3, the range estimate changes, but it goes back to normal after a tank or so. It’s a nice feature that adjusts quickly.
Have you switched to winter tires or noticed a change in the type of fuel available in your area? Both can affect mileage.
Teo said:
Have you switched to winter tires or noticed a change in the type of fuel available in your area? Both can affect mileage.
Winter fuel mix always gives me worse mileage too.
Teo said:
Have you switched to winter tires or noticed a change in the type of fuel available in your area? Both can affect mileage.
Same here. I was getting around 5L/100km in summer, but now it’s closer to 6. Could be my new job route as well.
It might be time for some maintenance, like cleaning carbon buildup, replacing your air filter, or checking your spark plugs.
Soren said:
It might be time for some maintenance, like cleaning carbon buildup, replacing your air filter, or checking your spark plugs.
I noticed a slight improvement in mileage after my last service. Changed the oil, replaced the air filter, and added a fuel system cleaner.
Yep, that happens when you burn fuel. The range goes down.
/s
Voss said:
Yep, that happens when you burn fuel. The range goes down.
/s
Funny enough, mine seems to go down at the same pace as the fuel gauge.
I’ve got a 2014 with 177k miles, and my fuel mileage has been consistent except for winter dips. It’s usually the tires, colder weather, or your driving. What’s your mileage?
Here’s how to check: Inflate your tires fully and take the car on a flat highway. Cruise at 55 mph without touching the pedals. Use the info display to see the current mpg. If it’s still decent, the issue might just be driving habits.
Tire pressure often drops in cold weather, so check that manually. Winter tires and longer idling times can also lower mileage. Don’t trust the car’s estimates; calculate your fuel economy manually over a few tanks.
Also, how old are your spark plugs? A dirty air filter can also reduce mileage. A bad catalytic converter might cause issues, but that’s rare before 200k miles. Let us know what you find out!