What are the real reasons for the high fuel consumption of the Lancer EX?
2 Answers
Fuel consumption is related to multiple factors, so the actual fuel consumption should be based on real-world usage. The main factors affecting fuel consumption are as follows: 1. Vehicle-related reasons: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor primarily monitors the air-fuel ratio of the engine. Once it is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. When the oxygen sensor is damaged, the exhaust pipe will emit darker-colored exhaust gases during driving. 2. Long overdue replacement of the "three filters": During vehicle use, the three filters (oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter) must be replaced regularly. If they are not replaced for a long time, they will become dirty and clogged, affecting performance and sending incorrect signals to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon deposits.
After years of driving, I've found several common reasons for the high fuel consumption of the Lancer, mainly related to driving habits and vehicle maintenance. Rapid acceleration and high-speed driving can cause fuel consumption to soar because the engine requires more fuel. Insufficient tire pressure increases tire friction, dragging down fuel efficiency, so it's recommended to check and inflate tires to the standard value monthly. A clogged air filter is one of the main culprits, as poor airflow leads to incomplete combustion; replacing it every six months can significantly improve this. Worn-out spark plugs cause unstable ignition, increasing fuel consumption, so regular inspection and replacement are crucial. Carbon buildup in the fuel system affects fuel injection uniformity, and cleaning the throttle body and fuel injectors can resolve this. Long idling times in heavy city traffic burn fuel quickly; avoiding peak hours and driving steadily can save fuel. Poor engine condition also consumes more fuel, so timely oil changes to maintain lubrication reduce losses. From experience, addressing these points effectively lowers fuel consumption, making regular maintenance habits especially important.