VitaminH

Hi,

Over the past few months it seems like my 1996 Pontic Sunfire has been dropping in it's fuel efficiency. Considering gas prices are on the rise, it's not exactly what I'm looking for in my car. To be honest I'm only looking to drive this thing until this summer, when I will go out and purchase a new car. We're talking 3 more months, 4 max.

I first noticed a drop in Novemberish, I attributed to my increase in city driving, tire pressure (they were a tad low, I added) and that I'd heard gas stations put something in the gas during the winter to help prevent freezing that decreases efficiency.

This last tank it seems like it's dropping even more. I can remember getting roundabouts of 30+ MPG when it was mostly highway, and mid to low 20's city, now it seems like I barely made 20. I've already noticed on this tank that the needle is dropping faster than I remember it in the past.

I've checked my tire pressure, it seems fine.
I HAVE been letting the car warm up this past week, due to extreme cold, so this could be part of it.
It's still winter, so I assume I'm still getting the less efficient gas.

What I'm looking for is any other possible causes (that I could hopefully remedy myself) for such a decrease in efficiency. I know next to nothing about cars, but someone once mentioned to me perhaps it was my spark plugs getting dirty? I don't suspect a leak, I've never smelled gas while driving or around my car when it's been parked, but is there a possibility of a slight leak somewhere in one of my lines?

Any help is appreciated. Hope I've given enough detail.


Thanks!

__________________
"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever."
- Napoleon Bonaparte