Is the fuel consumption high for a newly purchased car?
2 Answers
Fuel consumption is typically high for a newly purchased car. Here are some precautions for new car owners during the initial usage period: 1. Avoid excessively high engine RPM: Generally, keep the RPM below 3000, and for automatic transmissions, below 3500. 2. Do not maintain a single gear for extended periods: All vehicles experience greater actual load at low speeds compared to medium speeds, so during the break-in period, avoid prolonged operation below 60 km/h. Gradually increase the speed. Additionally, if the break-in is completed at a constant 80 km/h and the speed is suddenly increased afterward, the new car may not adapt well. Therefore, progressively raise the maximum speed during the break-in period. Maintain a steady speed during the break-in, ensuring stable operation at levels like 30 km/h, 60 km/h, 80 km/h, and 100 km/h. 3. Avoid driving with excessive load: The lighter the car during the break-in period, the better, as heavy loads can cause damage to the vehicle.
When I first got my new car, the fuel consumption was indeed a bit high. At first, I was quite puzzled—I had bought the most fuel-efficient model, yet my daily commute was burning over 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Later, I figured out that new cars need a break-in period to adapt; the engine components are still tight, much like new shoes that need some wearing in to fit comfortably. Plus, my own driving habits weren’t great—I tended to accelerate and brake aggressively, which, combined with stop-and-go city traffic, made the fuel gauge drop rapidly. After driving a couple thousand kilometers, things gradually improved, and now it’s stabilized at around 7 liters per 100 km. My advice to new drivers is not to panic—check if the tire pressure is appropriate, drive normally for a month or so, and the fuel consumption will naturally decrease. The key is to control your right foot and avoid aggressive acceleration.
