How to Solve the Problem of Increased Fuel Consumption After Wading?
3 Answers
The poor quality of engine oil leads to incomplete combustion of gasoline. This could be due to improper ignition timing. Damage to the oxygen sensor prevents the correction of fuel injection quantity, resulting in high fuel consumption. Excessive viscosity of engine oil increases the rotational resistance of the crankshaft, leading to higher fuel consumption. There are faults in the throttle position sensor or air flow meter.
Once after driving through water on a rainy day, my fuel consumption suddenly increased by about 10%. I quickly asked a friend to help check. We found the air filter soaked, clogged with mud and aquatic plants, preventing air from reaching the engine, which reduced combustion efficiency. The solution was simple: first clean or replace the air filter, costing just a few dozen yuan; then check the engine intake to ensure no residual moisture; it's best to park and dry the relevant parts immediately after driving through water. It's recommended to pay attention to these points during regular maintenance, especially before the rainy season, as prevention is much more cost-effective than repairs afterward. By the way, I also noticed that slippery tires can indirectly increase fuel consumption, and switching to high-drainage tires might help.
Increased fuel consumption after wading? I think the main issues lie with the engine and sensors. Last time my car went through water, the fuel consumption noticeably rose. After inspection, it turned out water had entered the intake manifold or spark plug holes, causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture and incomplete combustion. The solution was to immediately disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits, then remove any accumulated water in the engine compartment; use compressed air to dry the components; if the oxygen sensor got soaked, it might need replacing. Normally, avoid wading depths exceeding half the wheel height, and slowing down can reduce water splashing. Here's a tip: after wading, listen to the exhaust pipe sound—if there's any unusual noise, it might indicate water ingress needing drainage. Addressing such issues promptly can save a lot on fuel costs.
