What are the reasons for high fuel consumption in cars?
2 Answers
High fuel consumption in cars is caused by factors such as temperature influence, prolonged lack of maintenance, and excessive carbon buildup in the vehicle. Temperature influence: This leads to fluctuations in fuel consumption. In winter, lower temperatures result in slightly higher fuel consumption. Prolonged lack of maintenance: Dirty engine oil and air filters can also increase fuel consumption. Dirty oil leads to poor lubrication, increasing resistance in the engine's moving parts, requiring more energy to overcome this resistance, thus raising fuel consumption. Excessive carbon buildup in the vehicle: Carbon buildup commonly occurs in the throttle body, fuel injectors, intake manifold, and piston tops. Excessive carbon in any of these areas can cause incomplete combustion, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Excessive fuel consumption in cars is a common issue I've encountered over my 20+ years of driving. Poor engine condition is the primary culprit – worn piston rings can allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn, while aged spark plugs cause incomplete combustion and wasted fuel. Regularly checking tire pressure is crucial since underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and dramatically spike fuel usage. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel – I've personally experienced this multiple times, with immediate improvement after replacement. Driving habits matter significantly: aggressive acceleration, hard braking, or prolonged idling (like during traffic jams) burns fuel without meaningful movement. Road conditions also play a role – mountainous terrain or heavy loads (such as a fully packed trunk) naturally increase consumption. Regular maintenance is vital: replace air filters at least biannually, monitor tire pressure, and address minor issues promptly to avoid both painful fuel expenses and reduced vehicle lifespan.
