What Causes a Sudden Increase in Car Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for a sudden increase in car fuel consumption: 1. Damaged oxygen sensor: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor mainly monitors the fuel-air ratio of the engine. Once it is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. After the oxygen sensor is damaged, the exhaust pipe will emit darker-colored exhaust gas during driving. 2. Long overdue replacement of the 'three filters': During the use of the vehicle, the three filters (oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter) must be replaced regularly. If they are not replaced for a long time, they will become dirty and affect performance, sending incorrect information to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon deposits. 3. Unnecessary increase in vehicle load: Many new car owners like to decorate their cars with various accessories and appearance parts, and some even move their office and home into the car. Blindly installing body kits, spoilers, winches, and roof racks will also increase the vehicle's fuel consumption.
Having driven for decades, I've noticed several key reasons for sudden increases in fuel consumption. For instance, aging spark plugs in the engine failing to ignite properly, or a clogged air filter restricting airflow, both of which reduce combustion efficiency and lead to higher fuel usage. Low tire pressure is another common issue, increasing rolling resistance, especially noticeable at high speeds. Sensor problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor sending incorrect signals to the ECU, can also cause issues. Additionally, driving habits such as frequently accelerating hard or braking aggressively, particularly in city traffic, make things worse. Regular maintenance checks on these components can save a lot on fuel costs; otherwise, prolonged high fuel consumption not only damages the car but also compromises safety.
