What Are the Reasons for a Sudden Increase in Fuel Consumption in a New Car?
2 Answers
The reason for a sudden increase in fuel consumption in a new car is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, which requires inspection and repair at a 4S shop. Below is relevant information about the oxygen sensor: 1. Introduction: The oxygen sensor is used to detect the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust and sends feedback signals to the ECU. The ECU then adjusts the fuel injection volume of the injector to keep the air-fuel ratio of the mixture near the theoretical value. 2. Function: The sensor measures whether there is excess oxygen in the exhaust after engine combustion, i.e., the oxygen content, and converts this information into a voltage signal sent to the engine computer. This allows the engine to achieve closed-loop control based on the excess air factor, ensuring that the three-way catalytic converter maximizes the conversion efficiency of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust, thereby optimizing the conversion and purification of emission pollutants.
I bought a brand-new car last year, and initially, the fuel consumption was quite good. However, after a few months, I suddenly noticed that it was burning fuel much faster. First, I checked the tire pressure and found that the front tires were significantly underinflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Then, I reflected on my driving habits—lately, I had been frequently accelerating and braking abruptly, and driving more often in congested urban areas. I also considered that the engine oil might have expired or been contaminated with impurities. After changing to fresh oil, there was some improvement. My advice for anyone facing a similar situation is to start with the basics: check tire pressure, monitor driving records, and ensure the use of genuine fuel and lubricants. If there’s no improvement, visit a professional repair shop to diagnose potential faults in engine sensors. Even though it’s a new car, regular maintenance is essential—don’t delay addressing issues like I did. This approach saves fuel and ensures safety.
