What are the factors affecting car fuel consumption?
3 Answers
Factors affecting car fuel consumption include: 1. Potholes on the road will increase fuel consumption, as driving in low gear for a long time will inevitably increase fuel consumption; 2. Placing excessively heavy items in the luggage compartment will increase fuel consumption; 3. Incorrect driving can increase fuel consumption by 2 to 3 times; 4. Driving at high speed in low gear will increase fuel consumption; 5. Not maintaining the engine will increase fuel consumption, and abnormal engine ignition systems also have a significant impact on fuel consumption, such as inaccurate ignition timing, leaking high-voltage wires, and spark plug carbon deposits causing weak ignition, all of which reduce engine combustion efficiency and increase fuel consumption; 6. Insufficient tire pressure leads to increased fuel consumption; 7. Neglecting car maintenance will result in increased fuel consumption, and car maintenance includes bearings and brakes.
I believe the main factor affecting fuel consumption is driving habits. Whenever I drive too aggressively or brake frequently, the fuel consumption instantly spikes. Stop-and-go traffic in urban areas is particularly fuel-intensive, while maintaining a steady speed of 60 to 80 km/h on highways is the most fuel-efficient. I've developed the habit of gently pressing the accelerator to avoid sudden acceleration, while also anticipating road conditions to reduce hard braking, as braking consumes the energy accumulated beforehand. Excessive use of air conditioning also increases fuel consumption, especially when using the cooling function in summer, so I only use it moderately. Carrying too much weight also has an impact, so I clean out the trunk to reduce weight. Idling, such as waiting at a red light for a long time without turning off the engine, wastes fuel, so I try to turn off the engine when parked. Through these adjustments, my fuel consumption has decreased significantly, and I can also save some money on fuel.
As someone who frequently takes care of my beloved car, I believe maintenance status directly affects fuel consumption. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption; I check and inflate them once a month. Old and thickened engine oil makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel, so I regularly change it to maintain smooth operation. A clogged air filter restricts intake efficiency, causing incomplete combustion and higher consumption—I replace it annually to ensure smooth airflow. Spark plugs with carbon buildup or aging also reduce ignition efficiency, so I clean or replace them. Poorly maintained transmission systems, like automatic gearboxes, increase load. By keeping these parts in good condition, the engine runs much more efficiently, naturally keeping fuel consumption at a low level. Every time after maintenance, driving feels smoother and more cost-effective.
