What Are the Reasons for High Fuel Consumption in Diesel Vehicles?

[MacColeman]

There are three main reasons for increased fuel consumption in vehicles: personal factors, such as inadequate driving skills; the condition of the engine; and lack of maintenance during vehicle use. The reasons for increased fuel consumption in vehicles can be summarized as follows: Personal factors, such as inadequate driving skills: Improper gear shifting and excessive braking by the driver can artificially increase engine power loss. Frequent braking also leads to more frequent starts, and starting consumes a higher rate of fuel. The condition of the engine is directly related to fuel consumption: If the engine has issues, fuel consumption will significantly increase. High idle speed adjustment, partial short-circuiting of the high-voltage coil, burnt distributor contacts, or capacitor breakdown can weaken the high-voltage spark, reduce ignition capability, and leave some of the fuel mixture unburned, all of which increase fuel consumption. Lack of maintenance during vehicle use: Not using fuel additives regularly. Methods to reduce fuel consumption: Clean engine carbon deposits. Excessive carbon buildup in the engine is a major cause, primarily due to the use of unsuitable fuel. It is recommended to add a certain amount of cleaning agent when refueling. If the effect is not noticeable, it indicates significant carbon buildup in the engine. In such cases, the vehicle must be taken to a 4S shop for professional cleaning of the engine's carbon deposits by technicians. Check the oxygen sensor. As an internal control unit of the vehicle, the oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio in the engine. If it is damaged, the air-fuel ratio will become unbalanced, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. A damaged oxygen sensor will cause the exhaust pipe to emit darker-colored exhaust gases, indicating the need for replacement. Regularly replace the three filters. During vehicle use, the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter must be replaced periodically. If left unchanged for too long, they become dirty and clogged, sending incorrect signals to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon buildup. Check the electronic control unit. Although the engine's electronic control unit is highly reliable, in older vehicles, various malfunctions are inevitable.