
When starting the car, gently pressing the accelerator is a very fuel-efficient method, allowing the car to start slowly. Maintain a reasonable speed and drive at a steady pace. A speed of 60--90 kilometers per hour is quite fuel-efficient. If the idling time is too long, it will inevitably increase fuel consumption. While driving, it is recommended to maintain a speed of 60 kilometers per hour or above.

A sudden surge in fuel consumption can indeed be frustrating. I often advise fellow drivers to first examine their driving habits—aggressive acceleration and braking are major fuel guzzlers, while maintaining a steady speed of 60-80 km/h is most economical. On a recent highway test, I found that carrying just two extra boxes of water in the trunk could increase fuel consumption by half a liter, so I recommend clearing out unused items. For every 10% drop in tire pressure, fuel consumption rises by 5%, so check tire pressure monthly with a gauge. Carbon buildup is another issue not to overlook—I add a bottle of fuel system cleaner every 20,000 km. Worn spark plugs reduce combustion efficiency; if you notice sluggish acceleration, it’s time for an inspection—replacing them can significantly lower fuel consumption. Setting the AC too low also strains the engine; 24°C in summer is ideal.

With fuel prices skyrocketing lately, I've come up with a set of fuel-saving tips. First and foremost, engine health is crucial - change the oil on time without delay, as incorrect viscosity increases resistance. Replace dirty air filters promptly, as insufficient airflow leads to higher fuel consumption. Avoid congested routes whenever possible; taking a longer detour is better than idling in traffic. When going downhill, coast in gear by releasing the accelerator - it's safer than neutral coasting and saves fuel. Don't be tempted by cheap gas at shady stations, as low-quality gasoline burns incompletely. The most overlooked factor is wheel alignment - misalignment increases tire friction and can raise fuel consumption by 10%, so get a four-wheel alignment every 20,000 kilometers.

A colleague's new car exceeded fuel consumption standards after just six months, with issues stemming from three areas: a faulty oxygen sensor causing air-fuel ratio imbalance, which was immediately resolved after replacement; a stuck carbon canister purge valve leading to fuel tank vapor leakage, something you can't hear but quietly increases fuel consumption; idling the car for over a minute in winter is purely wasteful, as modern fuel-injected cars warm up by driving slowly for two minutes. I make it a habit to stop refueling at the first click of the pump nozzle, as overfilling leads to more gasoline evaporation and waste. After addressing these issues, his car now consumes 1.2 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers. Remember to maintain tire pressure at least at 2.3 bar when cold, and keeping a portable air pump handy is very practical.


