Q: I have a 2012 vw Passat. My gas depletes like crazy, even after I've had it serviced? What may be the causes?

asked by on July 20, 2017

Ever since my car warned me I needed it to get serviced, my fuel depletes like crazy. I just got it serviced today, however, it is still depleting. What may be the causes for this?

My car has 9000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is getting worse gas mileage Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, thank you for writing in. Several components may be contributing to your decrease in fuel economy. You will want to consider any recent work that you have had done and go through a process of elimination to determine what your main issues may be. Make sure your fuel filter and air filters are clean. You will also want to look into your air intake and coolant temperature sensors. If any are going bad, the calculations run by your vehicles computer will be wrong. For more help with diagnostics and repairs contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you use the vanity mirror?
Your car is equipped with a vanity mirror on both the driver and passenger side. These provide convenience, but should not be used when driving (the driver side mirror). Here’s how to use them: Flip the sun visor down. Open...
How do I fold down the rear seat?
The rear seat of your Accord is designed to fold down onto the seat bottom to provide access to the trunk, as well as to help make carrying larger items easily. Folding down the seat back just requires a few...
Car is slow to turn over
It seems you have three issues. If the engine is cranking slowly, the battery, the starter, the alternator, and the wiring will all need to be checked. The battery is the most likely problem, especially since your Infiniti is more...
Losing Oil
There can be can be a few reasons for the vehicle to use excessive oil. There would first need to be a few questions answered before a determination is made about the engine using too much oil. The first thing...
Advice on using Lucas products
Hello there, thanks for writing in about your 1993 Chrysler LeBaron V6-3.0L. You are correct that fuel can gum up and the oil can form a varnish which coats parts of the engine over time. The best method for cleaning...
grinding or scraping sound coming from the front L wheel.
This sounds like the brake pads or bearings are bad; they could be binding the wheel in the left side. You should have the noise issue inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection) and any needed repairs done. A jerking issue could lead to total...
What does it cost to repair/replace the electronic power steering
There are many different parts to the electronic power steering on your 2011 Hyundai Elantra. I cannot provide a quote without knowing more about what is causing the EPS light. Common failures are steering angle sensors, the power steering rack,...
Heater not working properly
Common causes of no or inadequate cabin heat include malfunctioning blend door(s) (part of the in-dash ventilation network), a faulty or stuck heater control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-control-valve-replacement), a plugged heater core, stuck open engine cooling thermostat, collapsed hoses, and low coolant...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
The The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban offers large amounts of space to carry around a growing family or to transport supplies to your favorite camping spot. It is available in heavy duty and half ton models. Key Features The 1500 Suburban...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Hyundai Veloster
The The 2012 Hyundai Veloster has a practical design while starting at a modest price point. Its unique styling has an eye catching design makes it both fun to look at and exciting to drive. Combine the unique look, price,...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Acura RDX
Compact Compact luxury SUVs have come a long way since the Acura RDX first showed up on the scene. However, to this day, Acura still produces one of the best vehicles in this category. The 2012 Acura RDX is a...