Does a Dirty Fuel Injector Increase Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
A dirty fuel injector can indeed increase fuel consumption. The primary reason is the use of incorrect oil viscosity, which leads to spark plug aging and insufficient ignition. Early symptoms of a dirty fuel injector include difficulty starting the engine when cold or weak acceleration after startup. Below are some noticeable signs of a dirty fuel injector: 1. Increased engine noise, especially in lower gears and below 2500 RPM. 2. Unresponsive throttle, uneven acceleration, and a noticeable throttle lag. When revving in neutral, the tachometer needle rises slowly. 3. Minor idle vibrations. 4. Frequent shaking during startup that is hard to control, with a slight misfire sensation when shifting gears at low RPM in 1st and 2nd gears.
After driving for so many years, I can confirm that dirty fuel injectors do increase fuel consumption. If the injectors are clogged, the fuel spray becomes uneven and can't burn completely, forcing the engine to consume more fuel to maintain output, while still lacking power. This is especially noticeable in city traffic jams—the fuel gauge drops rapidly, the engine noise increases, and you can even feel the car vibrating. Fixing it isn't too complicated: you can either add a cleaning additive and take the car for a high-speed run or have the injectors ultrasonically cleaned at a repair shop. If left untreated for too long, fuel consumption will spike and damage the engine, often triggering a warning light. It's best to check the injectors every 20,000 kilometers and use higher-quality fuel to prevent severe carbon buildup. This is a common issue, but timely detection and maintenance can easily resolve it.
