Is It Normal for Fuel Consumption to Increase After Maintenance?
2 Answers
An increase in fuel consumption after maintenance is a normal occurrence. The specific reasons are as follows: Increased oil viscosity: When using the same type of oil, the newly replaced oil will have a higher viscosity compared to oil that has been used for 10,000 kilometers, resulting in greater resistance. Under the same road conditions and driving style, fuel consumption naturally increases. This situation usually disappears after driving a few hundred kilometers. Replacement of brake pads: After installing new brake pads, the friction gap is relatively smaller, leading to greater resistance during braking, which can cause a slight increase in fuel consumption. This will improve after the brake pads have worn in. Excessive oil: If there is too much oil, the crankshaft in the oil requires more energy to rotate, increasing the engine's load and consequently raising fuel consumption.
I just researched this situation! A slight increase in fuel consumption after maintenance is nothing to panic about, as it can sometimes be normal. For example, if the new engine oil has a higher viscosity than the old oil, the engine needs a few days to adapt—just like breaking in new shoes. However, if the fuel consumption suddenly spikes significantly, you should pay attention, as it's likely due to an issue during maintenance. Last time, for instance, an apprentice didn't install the air filter properly, causing an air leak, which made the ECU misjudge and inject more fuel. It went back to normal after reinstalling it correctly. Additionally, if the brake maintenance causes the wheel hub to stick, it can also drag down fuel efficiency. Just touch the wheel hub after driving to see if it's hot, and you'll know!
