What are the manifestations of increased fuel consumption?
2 Answers
Increased fuel consumption manifests as follows: Potholes on the road: Poor road conditions or uneven surfaces force the vehicle to drive in low gear for extended periods, inevitably increasing fuel consumption. Incorrect driving: Improper driving habits have the most significant impact on fuel consumption. Behaviors such as slamming on the brakes, erratic speed fluctuations, prolonged engine idling, aggressive acceleration, and long-distance driving at high speeds in low gear all contribute to increased fuel consumption. Prolonged idling: Compared to normal driving, the engine ECU controls a higher fuel injection rate when the car is idling or just started. If the engine is not turned off or frequently left running for extended periods, fuel consumption will increase.
I often drive long distances and recently noticed a significant increase in fuel consumption. A full tank used to last 500 kilometers, but now it only gets me around 450. Every time I refuel, it hurts my wallet. On the highway, the car feels sluggish when accelerating, not as powerful as before, and the idle vibration has increased, along with louder engine noise. There’s also a stronger fuel smell inside the car, possibly due to an issue with the exhaust pipe. I checked the tires—low pressure did contribute to higher fuel consumption, but more seriously, it could be due to aging spark plugs or a clogged air filter. After maintenance, it improved a bit, reminding me how important regular servicing is.
