01 grand am getting BAD gas mileage?

[hockeyandpucks]

So, I have an 01 grand am, V6 coupe. I couldn't get into any specifics with you, but that's what I have.

Anyway, I've noticed lately my car has been getting really bad gas mileage. I filled it up on Saturday, the indicator said it was a bit over full, and I dont' drive too much, but now, I'm almost down to half a tank. In 3 days. Granted I did a bit of driving around this weekend, but I doubt half a tanks worth.

I do my oil changes on time, we've had it brought in the alternator has been replaced, etc.

I'm frustrated because I do not have the money to keep filling it up every few days.

Advice?

 

[melsg5]

Is the check engine light on? Do you check and adjust your tire pressure when the tires are cold? What is the actual mpg number? Do you smell gasoline especially after filling the car? Have you checked if you air filter is dirty? How many miles since the spark plugs were changed?

 

[oldhippie]

Unless you can come up with some actual mpg value, it's pretty difficult to say if you are really getting bad mileage.

Some other factors to consider along with Melsg5's comment:
Was it mostly stop and go driving,
How much time do you just leave your car sitting with engine idling.
If you never run your engine longer than 15 minutes, and rarely to never get it out on the highway, there's a good chance your injectors are gumming up.

Could buy a good name-brand bottle of fuel injector cleaner and dump it in the tank; but if you don't drive very far it'll have a negligible effect.

It is a V6 and will never get the mileage of the ecotec 4 cyl in stop and go driving and short trips.