Is It Normal for Fuel Consumption to Increase After Maintenance?
2 Answers
Whether it is normal for fuel consumption to increase after maintenance depends on the specific situation. The reasons for increased fuel consumption after maintenance include the following: 1. Too much engine oil added or incorrect oil type: Excessive oil causes intense agitation of engine components during operation, which not only increases internal power loss but also leads to more oil splashing onto the cylinder walls, resulting in oil burning and exhaust issues. Additionally, it creates unnecessary resistance to the crankshaft's rotation, affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. Engine oil types have strict requirements because different engine performances and technologies determine which oil type should be used. Using the wrong type can lead to increased fuel consumption and abnormal wear. 2. Incorrect spark plug type: Spark plugs also have specific types, with the heat value being a crucial parameter—simply understood as the spark plug's heat dissipation capability. If the spark plugs replaced during maintenance are unsuitable for the vehicle's engine, it will inevitably affect engine performance and, in severe cases, damage the engine. 3. Throttle not recalibrated: Not every vehicle requires recalibration—mechanical throttle cables do not need it, but electronic throttles do, as they are controlled by the engine computer to adjust the opening. If not recalibrated, the engine computer will use the pre-cleaning parameters to control air intake and fuel injection, leading to increased fuel consumption. If the maintenance included throttle cleaning, the increased fuel consumption is likely due to the lack of recalibration after cleaning.
It's actually quite common to experience a slight increase in fuel consumption after maintenance. I've encountered this several times. Right after servicing, when new engine oil or filters are replaced, fuel consumption might be a tad higher than before. This is mainly because the new oil has higher viscosity, and the engine needs some time to break in and adapt. It usually returns to normal after a few days of driving. However, if the increase persists for more than a week, it's not normal and could indicate issues during maintenance, such as overfilled oil or improperly installed air filters, which hinder airflow and affect combustion efficiency. My habit is to observe for a few days, drive smoothly without aggressive acceleration, and record the data. If fuel consumption doesn’t drop, it’s best to return to the shop to check for potential issues like faulty sensors or system reset problems. Don’t panic—using the right type of oil during regular maintenance can help prevent this. Remember to maintain your car on schedule and check oil levels periodically.
