What Are the Reasons for Increased Fuel Consumption in Cars?
2 Answers
The causes of this issue generally include the following. 1. Poor driving habits: habits such as squeezing into gaps, sudden stops and braking, and driving at high speeds in low gears can all lead to high fuel consumption. 2. Engine carbon buildup: carbon buildup in the engine can also result in excessive fuel consumption. 3. Low tire pressure: insufficient tire pressure and underinflated tires can cause the car to consume more fuel. Before driving, it's advisable to check the tire inflation. Tire pressure can also be measured with instruments, and timely inflation can reduce fuel consumption. 4. Overloaded trunk: carrying too many items in the trunk can also increase fuel consumption. Regularly clearing out unnecessary items from the trunk can help reduce fuel consumption.
Having driven for decades, I've noticed that sudden increases in fuel consumption are quite common. First, check your driving habits—frequent rapid acceleration, hard braking, slow city driving in traffic jams, or prolonged idling can all significantly increase fuel usage. Air conditioning is another major factor. Running the AC at full blast in summer or using the heater in winter puts extra load on the engine as the compressor works harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. Tires also play a crucial role; insufficient tire pressure increases rolling resistance, akin to driving with a heavy weight, which naturally consumes more fuel. Poor vehicle maintenance is another contributor—worn spark plugs causing inefficient ignition, clogged air filters restricting airflow, and incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture all reduce engine efficiency. Thick or overdue engine oil increases friction, which also contributes. Additionally, as the vehicle ages, internal engine wear worsens, naturally increasing fuel consumption. Extra weight, like a constantly loaded trunk or a full car, also spikes fuel usage. To save on fuel costs, I recommend adopting smooth driving habits, minimizing sudden stops and starts, regularly checking tire pressure and air filters, and moderating AC use.
