What does a decreased fuel efficiency indicate about a vehicle's performance?

A decreased fuel efficiency is often a sign that the vehicle is not performing at its best, and one common reason for this can be related to tire pressure. When a vehicle’s tires are under-inflated, it creates a larger contact area between the tires and the road, which increases rolling resistance. This extra resistance requires more energy from the engine to maintain speed, ultimately leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency. Maintaining proper tire inflation ensures that the vehicle operates efficiently, contributing to better fuel economy and performance.

While other factors such as a blocked fuel filter or tire over-inflation can also affect fuel efficiency, under-inflated tires are a prevalent and easily corrected issue that directly impacts how much fuel the vehicle consumes for a given distance. Proper maintenance, including regular tire pressure checks, can help mitigate these inefficiencies.