Is a fuel consumption of 17 liters per 100 km normal for a new car?
2 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.
