How is vehicle fuel consumption calculated?
2 Answers
Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers = Volume of fuel consumed (liters) ÷ Distance traveled with that fuel (kilometers) × 100. For example: If a vehicle consumes A liters of fuel while traveling N kilometers, then the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers = A ÷ N × 100. Of course, a vehicle's fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is not always constant; factors such as different road conditions, load capacity, temperature, and whether the air conditioning is on all affect fuel consumption. Here are some tips to reduce vehicle fuel consumption: 1. Break bad driving habits: Bad driving habits lead to higher fuel consumption. When driving, avoid stomping on the accelerator when starting, and smooth acceleration and steady speed are the most fuel-efficient. 2. Avoid using low-quality gasoline: The quality of fuel directly affects fuel consumption. If low-quality gasoline is used for a long time, it produces more impurities than normal-quality gasoline, which can more easily clog the fuel system, resulting in incorrect air-fuel ratios and increased fuel consumption. 3. Clean engine carbon deposits: Excessive engine carbon deposits are a major cause, mainly due to the use of unsuitable fuel. If there is significant carbon buildup in the engine, it's best to take the vehicle to a 4S shop for professional technicians to clean the carbon deposits inside the engine.
From my experience with cars, the internal calculation of fuel consumption is primarily achieved through the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The system is equipped with a fuel flow sensor and an odometer, which monitor the fuel injection volume and travel distance in real time, then calculate the average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. For example, the sensor precisely records how much fuel is injected each time and combines this data with the vehicle speed sensor to derive the result. I've noticed during driving that fuel consumption increases during rapid acceleration or uphill driving because the system adjusts the fuel injection volume in real time. Long-term observation reveals the impact of driving habits—maintaining a steady speed is much more fuel-efficient. I recommend regularly checking these sensors for dirt to maintain accuracy and avoid calculation deviations.
