Does Traffic Congestion or Long Distance Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Traffic congestion consumes more fuel. Idling burns fuel without moving, and the most fuel-intensive phase is acceleration from a standstill. Frequent starts and stops not only waste fuel but also wear out the vehicle. It is recommended to take a longer route if possible. Fuel consumption is related to driving conditions: If you frequently drive in congested areas, your vehicle's fuel consumption will increase. The Haval H6's 2.0T engine is equipped with DVVT technology and features direct fuel injection. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which offers higher transmission efficiency and faster gear shifts. Things to keep in mind while driving: Avoid unnecessary overtaking and sudden acceleration or braking during daily driving. Additionally, try to look farther ahead while driving to anticipate any potential situations in advance.
I've been researching car fuel consumption for years, and from a technical perspective, traffic congestion consumes far more fuel than long-distance driving. When stuck in traffic, the engine continues running but the vehicle speed is extremely low or completely stopped, resulting in poor combustion efficiency. A significant amount of fuel is wasted maintaining idle speed and powering the air conditioning system. For example, an ordinary car can consume 1-2 liters of fuel per hour while idling but covers almost zero distance; whereas during long-distance highway cruising at 80-100km/h, the engine operates steadily in its high-efficiency zone, with fuel consumption potentially as low as 6-8 liters per 100 kilometers. Frequent acceleration and braking further waste energy, causing traffic jam fuel consumption to typically be over twice that of highway driving. I recommend using real-time fuel consumption monitoring apps to track usage, optimize routes to avoid peak hours, and choose hybrid models that automatically switch to electric drive in traffic, which can significantly save fuel and protect engine lifespan.