How to Solve Increased Fuel Consumption After Wading?
3 Answers
Excessive carbon deposits in the engine is a major cause, primarily due to the use of unsuitable fuel. It is recommended to add a certain amount of cleaning agent when refueling. The oxygen sensor mainly monitors the air-fuel ratio of the engine. Once damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the engine's air-fuel ratio. During vehicle use, the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter must be replaced regularly. If not replaced for a long time, they will become dirty and clogged.
After wading through water, a sudden surge in fuel consumption occurred. The first things I would check are three aspects: Is the air filter soaked? A drenched filter paper makes the engine run like it's wearing a mask, forcing it to inject more fuel to maintain power. Quickly remove it to dry or replace it. Next, inspect the exhaust pipe. If the water depth submerged the exhaust outlet, it's easy for water to backflow, especially if the three-way catalytic converter is clogged, suffocating the engine and naturally causing fuel consumption to spike. Finally, check the brake discs under the car. After wading, brake pads may rust and stick, equivalent to driving with the brakes constantly engaged. Last week, I personally tested this by removing the tires and grinding the brake pads to solve the issue, immediately bringing fuel consumption back down to 7 liters. For cars that have been through deep water, it's best to also check the electrical circuits, as damp sensors can lead to fuel supply disorders.
After driving through water during the rainy season, the most common reason for increased fuel consumption is moisture in the ignition system. Rainwater seeps through gaps in the engine bay, causing the spark plugs and ignition coils to get wet, leading to misfires and the engine shaking like it's shivering. Last time I dealt with this, I simply pulled out the ignition coils and found water droplets inside the rubber boots—drying them with an air gun fixed the issue. Also, remember to check the oxygen sensor; if submerged, it sends false data to the ECU, causing it to command excess fuel injection. If the water level didn’t exceed the center of the tires, consider getting a four-wheel maintenance check, as water in the bearings increases rolling resistance—dragging around half a ton of metal certainly won’t save fuel.
