Most automakers make reliable vehicles, but that does not mean that wear, age, and lapses in maintenance won't have a negative effect on your vehicle. The following will go over 2 common car issues and what generally causes the issues.

1. Excessive Gasoline Consumption

One of the problems that some cars seem to develop over time is an overconsumption of gasoline, which could be triggered by several issues like the following:

Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator

The fuel pressure regulator helps ensure that your engine gets the precise amount of gasoline needed for combustion. A faulty fuel pressure regulator won't be able to read how much gasoline is needed, so it might overcompensate. You might notice the following symptoms as well:

• The oil dipstick might smell like gasoline
• There might be gasoline dripping from your tailpipe

Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

One of the things that allows your vehicle's computer to know just how much fuel is needed is the mass air flow sensor, which measures the air in the engine. But this sensor could fail, giving your computer false information that might lead to over-consumption of gasoline. The following are other symptoms associated with a bad mass air flow sensor:

• The car jerks or hesitates when you try to accelerate
• Your car might stall as soon as you turn it on
• The engine may feel like it is going to stall under heavy loads

You should make sure your auto care specialist checks some of the aforementioned areas, even if you haven't experienced any problems, just to be sure.

2. Speed Control Problems

Another issue that you might experience with your car over time is a slight inability to control the speed because it might start surging randomly. This problem could happen for some of the following reasons:

Power Steering Pressure Sensor Issue

The sensor helps your computer understand your power steering needs and makes sure that your engine is providing the power needed. But a bad sensor will give your car's computer bad information that may cause speed fluctuations that could either be too slow or too fast. You might also notice the following:

• The car stalls when you turn or just slows down
• Engine light might turn on

Bad Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor helps control the amount of air that goes into your engine by reading your power commands. But this sensor could fail, which may cause it to stop reading your commands in a precise manner, and one of the outcomes could be engine surges. You may also feel the following:

• Your car bucks inexplicably
• You feel a jerk whenever you change speeds
• There may be stalls from time to time

The best thing that you can do is make sure that you keep up with your regular maintenance appointments so that your mechanic can catch these issues before they affect you. But you can clearly see why it is important to know your car and to make sure it is serviced by someone who knows your vehicle intimately. 

Click on the link for Toyota service or do an online search. 

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