What Are the Causes of Excessive Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
Causes of excessive fuel consumption: 1. Excessive carbon buildup in the vehicle: Carbon deposits in the throttle body, fuel injectors, intake manifold, or piston top can lead to incomplete combustion, thereby increasing fuel consumption. 2. Worn-out spark plugs: Although spark plugs may still function beyond their lifespan, insufficient ignition energy can cause delayed ignition, missing the optimal timing, resulting in power loss and incomplete combustion, further increasing fuel consumption. 3. Dirty engine oil and air filter: Dirty engine oil reduces lubrication efficiency, increasing resistance in engine components and requiring more energy to overcome it, leading to higher fuel consumption. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to consume more energy for intake. Insufficient air intake causes incomplete combustion, with some unburned fuel being expelled, requiring more gasoline to cover the same distance.
Driving habits make a huge difference. I’ve noticed that high fuel consumption is often due to aggressive driving—frequent hard acceleration and sudden braking naturally increase fuel usage. Another example is underinflated tires; when tires are flat, friction increases, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. A dirty air filter can also restrict airflow, leading to incomplete fuel combustion and higher consumption. Running the AC at maximum power with the temperature set too low is another hidden culprit. I recommend avoiding aggressive driving, gently pressing the accelerator to maintain a steady speed, and checking tire pressure and air filters monthly. After making these improvements, you can save a lot on fuel costs—my car’s consumption dropped from 10L per 100km to 8L. Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for both safety and economy, and it benefits the environment too.
From the vehicle itself, excessive fuel consumption may indicate multiple internal issues. Severe carbon buildup in the engine leads to dirty cylinders and poor combustion efficiency; aging spark plugs cause inaccurate ignition, preventing gasoline from fully burning. Additionally, a faulty oxygen sensor results in imprecise fuel control, often causing excessive fuel injection. Fuel system leaks or blockages also waste gasoline unnecessarily. I've learned to regularly change engine oil and clean the throttle body; neglecting these can cause significant engine wear, leading to costly repairs. By checking these issues, fuel consumption can be greatly reduced, and the car will run more smoothly.
