What are the reasons for high fuel consumption after driving 20,000 kilometers?
2 Answers
The reasons for high fuel consumption after driving 20,000 kilometers are insufficient tire pressure and tire wear, engine carbon buildup, and spark plug damage. Insufficient tire pressure and tire wear: Insufficient or low tire pressure increases friction between the tires and the ground, leading to greater resistance and higher fuel consumption. Severe tire wear often causes slipping, which also increases fuel consumption. Therefore, regular tire maintenance is essential, and any issues should be promptly repaired or replaced. Engine carbon buildup: Poor-quality gasoline can lead to increased carbon deposits. Excessive carbon buildup roughens the intake pipe walls, affecting air intake efficiency and the quality of the air-fuel mixture, causing a sharp rise in fuel consumption. Thus, gasoline quality should not be overlooked, and cleaning carbon deposits every six months is necessary. Spark plug damage: The function of a spark plug is to generate an electric spark with high voltage to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If damaged, the ignition energy decreases, causing uneven combustion of the mixture, which slows down acceleration and increases fuel consumption. In this case, the spark plug needs to be replaced.
I've been driving for over a decade, and sudden increases in fuel consumption are all too common. The biggest issue is often with the foot – pressing the accelerator pedal unevenly is the most fuel-intensive, especially in the city where you frequently accelerate and brake sharply, causing the fuel gauge to drop rapidly. Another scenario is idling for long periods with the air conditioning on, as the engine burns fuel while running idle. Tire pressure should also be checked; soft tires are like running in slippers. A car with 20,000 kilometers should get a minor service – cleaning the throttle body and replacing the air filter. Too much carbon buildup is like a person gasping for air, naturally consuming more fuel. When driving, keep the windows closed as much as possible – wind resistance is also a major fuel consumer.
