How to Check Car Fuel Consumption?

[OKevin]

Methods to check car fuel consumption: Generally, the onboard computer provides an average fuel consumption value, which is displayed on the dashboard, but it usually differs from the actual fuel consumption. The specific car fuel consumption can be calculated using the formula: fuel consumption per 100 kilometers equals the amount of fuel consumed divided by the distance traveled multiplied by 100. Car fuel consumption refers to the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. Different cars have different displacements, and their fuel consumption per 100 kilometers also varies. Additionally, fuel consumption is influenced by factors such as personal driving habits, road conditions, vehicle load, tire pressure, and weather. Constant-speed fuel consumption refers to the fuel economy indicator when a car is driving at a constant speed on a good road surface. Since constant-speed driving is a basic operating condition for cars on highways, and this type of fuel consumption is easy to measure, it is widely used.

[DiAthena]

I most commonly use the dashboard display method. After getting in the car, I first press the button on the left side of the steering wheel to switch to the fuel consumption interface. Vehicles generally have two display modes: instantaneous fuel consumption and average fuel consumption. The former, like playing a game, dynamically shows the current fuel consumption in real-time—the numbers surge when you step on the gas and drop when you ease off. The average fuel consumption tells you the overall performance of recent driving. I reset the data to recalculate after each refueling and found that maintaining a steady speed of around 110 km/h on the highway is the most fuel-efficient. Recording actual fuel consumption is also simple: fill up the tank, reset the odometer, drive a few hundred kilometers, then refill the tank. Dividing the amount of fuel added by the distance traveled gives a more reliable actual fuel consumption figure than the car's onboard computer.

[StClaire]

I have some insights on monitoring fuel consumption, especially during long-distance trips. While the in-car system is convenient, it's not precise enough, so I prefer using mobile apps to record data. Those car assistant apps on the market are user-friendly—just input the fuel amount and mileage at each refill, and they automatically calculate consumption. Last month during my self-drive tour in the northwest, the app showed a difference of over 3 liters between highway and city driving. For fuel-saving tips, maintaining proper tire pressure helps significantly; increasing it by 0.2 bar in summer makes a noticeable difference. In city driving, gently pressing the accelerator and avoiding sudden brakes while watching the fuel consumption gradually decrease brings a real sense of achievement.

[Spencer]

As a seasoned car enthusiast who frequently engages in modifications, I believe fuel consumption should be considered alongside other factors. For instance, after installing wider tires, the instantaneous fuel consumption numbers noticeably increase; while after ECU tuning, the average fuel consumption drops by 8%. Nowadays, new car steering wheels come with toggle buttons, making switching very convenient. For DIY tracking, recording fuel card top-up amounts and pairing it with map positioning can calculate the cost per kilometer. Recently, I've found that anticipating traffic signals in advance and reducing the number of stops is very effective—using eco mode and maintaining a steady speed can save at least 20% on fuel. These insights are all derived from long-term observations of dashboard data.

[DeAndrew]

I regularly check fuel consumption data, especially before and after maintenance. Nowadays, the onboard computer can display both short-term and long-term average fuel consumption data, with the latter more accurately reflecting actual usage conditions. Short-distance trips consume the most fuel; a single trip under five kilometers can increase fuel consumption by one to two liters. It's more reliable to record refueling data monthly via WeChat—take a photo of the mileage and amount spent when filling up, then compare and calculate during the next refuel. Reducing unnecessary items in the car is crucial for daily driving, as every additional 50 kg of load increases fuel consumption by about 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In winter, driving at low speed immediately after starting the engine without warming it up can actually save more fuel.

[Philip]

I'm used to checking the fuel consumption data through the trip computer. After each refueling, I reset the fuel consumption statistics to clearly understand the new fuel gauge's range. It's especially interesting on long trips—the same car shows a big difference in fuel consumption between highways and mountain roads. I recommend setting the dashboard to stay on the average fuel consumption screen so you can subconsciously observe the changes while driving. If you notice a sudden increase in fuel consumption, it's likely an issue with the throttle or fuel injectors. Another simple way to track fuel consumption is to jot down the total mileage and fuel price after each refueling in a notebook. Over six months, you'll have a clear picture of your vehicle's fuel economy.