Is It Normal for Fuel Consumption to Increase After the First Maintenance?
3 Answers
After changing to new engine oil during the first maintenance, the engine's transmission components and cylinders need time to adapt to the new oil, and a new oil film gradually forms. Therefore, it is normal for fuel consumption to slightly increase and for the engine noise to be slightly louder immediately after the oil change (it is advisable to avoid high speeds and excessive engine RPM). Additionally, if the new oil is overfilled (exceeding the upper limit on the dipstick, increasing crankshaft rotation resistance) or is unsuitable (having excessively high high-temperature viscosity), it can also lead to increased fuel consumption. The main factors affecting a car's fuel consumption include: 1. Advanced automotive technology: The vehicle's weight, aerodynamics, and engine thermal efficiency are three key technologies related to fuel consumption. 2. Good vehicle condition: Besides keeping the car clean, proper maintenance is crucial, such as lubricating wheel hub bearings regularly, replacing the air filter element periodically, and promptly checking the brake system. 3. Incorrect driving habits can significantly increase fuel consumption: As cars become more common in households, non-professional drivers are increasing, and some bad driving habits can lead to higher fuel consumption. 4. Road conditions greatly determine fuel consumption: Driving in urban conditions can increase fuel consumption by 20% compared to driving on test tracks. The biggest factor affecting fuel consumption in cities is frequent starts, stops, gear shifts, acceleration, and deceleration due to traffic congestion. Driving on poor road conditions also increases fuel consumption.
I recently experienced increased fuel consumption after the first maintenance, which was a bit concerning. The first maintenance mainly involves changing the engine oil and filters. The new oil needs some time to break in, and its viscosity and fluidity may not immediately adapt to the engine, leading to a slight increase in fuel consumption. I remember it took about a week of driving before the fuel consumption gradually decreased. Another factor is that the system might have reset the fuel consumption records during maintenance, making the displayed values inaccurate. I recommend driving a few hundred kilometers more to observe. If the fuel consumption remains high, check whether the oil specification is correctly matched and if the air filter is properly installed. Don’t worry too much—this is a normal phenomenon. The engine is in an adjustment period after the first maintenance, not a major fault. Maintaining stable driving habits is also crucial, as frequent rapid acceleration or heavy loads can also increase fuel consumption. In short, a temporary increase is not a big issue, but long-term abnormalities require professional inspection.
As an experienced driver with years behind the wheel, I've seen many cases of slight fuel consumption increase after the first maintenance. The reasons vary: new engine oil needs a brief break-in period to achieve optimal lubrication; the vehicle computer may reset during maintenance causing temporarily inflated consumption readings; or even changes in driving habits like testing new car performance can increase fuel usage. When I encounter this, I typically monitor it over one or two refueling cycles. As long as there are no other symptoms like unusual noises or warning lights, I disregard it. The key is using the correct oil grade as recommended in the owner's manual. Additionally, winter conditions or poor road surfaces can temporarily elevate consumption. There's really no need to worry - the primary purpose of first maintenance is to extend engine lifespan, and minor fuel consumption fluctuations are completely normal. Maintaining good long-term vehicle condition is more important. With regular checks of tire pressure and fluid levels, fuel consumption will naturally stabilize.
