How can poor engine tuning affect fuel economy?

Poor engine tuning can significantly impact fuel economy as it often results in inefficient combustion of fuel. When an engine is not properly tuned, the air-fuel mixture may become unbalanced, leading to suboptimal performance. This can result in the engine consuming more fuel than necessary to achieve the same power output, thus increasing fuel consumption.

Additionally, poor tuning can cause an increase in emissions due to incomplete combustion. When the air-fuel mixture is rich (too much fuel relative to air), unburned fuel can exit the combustion chamber, contributing to higher hydrocarbon emissions. Conversely, if the mixture is too lean (too much air compared to fuel), it can cause knocking, which may lead to further inefficiencies and potential engine damage.

Maintaining proper engine tuning ensures that the combustion process is efficient, which optimizes fuel economy and reduces harmful emissions.