Is a fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 km normal for a new car?
3 Answers
A fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 km is not normal for a new car. New cars generally have relatively higher fuel consumption because they need a break-in period. During this period, the friction between components is greater, and this increased friction requires more energy, leading to higher fuel consumption. However, if the new car is an SUV or a large-displacement model, a fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 km is considered normal. On the other hand, if it is a compact family car, a fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 km is abnormal and considered high. Below are some methods to reduce fuel consumption: Check the air conditioning system in summer: Air conditioning malfunctions are a significant cause of high fuel consumption. If the air conditioning cooling effect is poor, it will increase fan speed and lower temperature to achieve a cooling effect, leading to higher fuel consumption. Frequent hard braking: Frequent hard braking is a major reason for persistently high fuel consumption. While ensuring safe driving, make full use of the vehicle's inertia. Avoid excessive use of air conditioning in small-displacement cars: For vehicles exposed to the sun, do not turn on the air conditioning immediately after getting in. First, open the windows and set the fan to a higher setting without turning on the air conditioning to expel the hot air inside the car. Wait until the car has cooled down moderately before turning on the air conditioning.
I recently bought a new car, and during the break-in period, the fuel consumption was around 17 L/100km, which is actually quite common. It mainly depends on your car model and driving habits: if it's an SUV or a high-displacement model, such as 2.0T or above, and you often drive in congested urban areas, 17 L/100km might be normal; but for a compact sedan or hybrid, such high consumption would warrant a check-up. I suggest observing for a few weeks first—check if the tire pressure is adequate (low pressure increases fuel consumption), avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and maintain a steady speed. During the first few thousand kilometers, the engine needs to break in, and fuel consumption will slightly decrease. However, if it remains high long-term, the onboard computer might need recalibration or the air filter could be clogged. In daily use, I’ve noticed that running the AC at full blast also increases fuel consumption; using less cooling in summer can save 1-2 percentage points. In short, don’t rush—record driving data and compare it with the official specs to help pinpoint the issue. Driving is about habits: optimizing routes to avoid detours or peak hours can save fuel.
As someone with some knowledge about cars, I must say a fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 kilometers is considered relatively high for a new vehicle, and multiple factors need to be considered. The car's design, such as heavy weight or high aerodynamic drag, naturally consumes more fuel; poor engine tuning or faulty fuel injectors can also increase fuel consumption. I recommend checking key components: whether the ECU has any update bugs, if spark plug carbon buildup needs cleaning, or if poor fuel quality is causing incomplete combustion. During the break-in period, if you frequently carry heavy loads or drive uphill a lot, fuel consumption will definitely spike. Statistically, the official standard is generally between 8-15 liters per 100 kilometers, and exceeding this should raise concerns. During maintenance, have a technician measure the actual fuel consumption rate—it's a simple and useful tool. Over time, this can accelerate wear and increase costs, so early detection brings peace of mind. Don’t neglect fuel system cleaning during routine maintenance, and regularly replacing the air filter can help the engine breathe better and slightly reduce fuel consumption.
