In basic automobile science, how should the statement "Poorly tuned engines do not get good fuel (gas) mileage" be evaluated?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic understanding of fuel efficiency and engine maintenance. Car owners are often advised to keep their engines well tuned to save fuel and reduce pollution. The statement given connects engine tuning with fuel or gas mileage, which is the distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The statement says that poorly tuned engines do not get good fuel mileage. - The context is conventional internal combustion engines. - Good mileage means higher distance per litre or per gallon of fuel.

Concept / Approach:
A well tuned engine burns fuel more completely and efficiently. Problems such as incorrect air fuel mixture, worn spark plugs, clogged filters, or misaligned timing reduce combustion efficiency. When combustion is inefficient, the engine uses more fuel to produce the same amount of power, so fuel economy drops. Therefore, it is scientifically correct to say that poorly tuned engines give poor mileage.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that fuel economy depends on how efficiently chemical energy in fuel is converted into mechanical work. 2. Poor tuning leads to incomplete combustion and energy losses. 3. Incomplete combustion means more fuel is required to produce the same power output. 4. More fuel per kilometre means worse mileage. 5. Thus, the statement that poorly tuned engines do not get good mileage is generally correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Automobile maintenance guides and environmental advice from government agencies consistently recommend regular engine tuning to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This independent evidence supports the correctness of the statement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Engine tuning has no effect: This is incorrect, because tuning directly affects combustion efficiency and fuel use. Poor tuning always improves mileage: This contradicts mechanical science and real world data. True only for electric vehicles: Electric vehicles do not use internal combustion engines or fuel mileage in the same way, so this option is irrelevant.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may think that fuel economy depends only on driving style and road conditions. While those factors are important, mechanical condition and engine tuning are equally important. Ignoring regular servicing and tuning not only reduces mileage but also increases harmful exhaust emissions.

Final Answer:
The statement is generally correct, because inefficient engines burn more fuel for the same work, leading to poor fuel mileage.