What Causes a Sudden Increase in Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
The reasons for a sudden increase in fuel consumption: 1. Low tire pressure; 2. Clogged air filter; 3. Engine carbon buildup; 4. Aging spark plugs; 5. Faulty oxygen sensor. If the air filter is not cleaned for a long time, dust will accumulate, leading to insufficient air intake into the engine, incomplete fuel combustion, and consequently an increase in fuel consumption. In severe cases, it can also affect the engine's lifespan. Aging spark plugs result in weaker ignition and insufficient power supply. While driving, to provide the car with enough power, the vehicle needs to supply more fuel, leading to increased fuel consumption. Fuel consumption generally refers to the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers, which is a value measured by manufacturers in an objective environment using a dynamometer installed on the vehicle's chassis, converted into speed parameters, and then calculated at specified speeds to determine the theoretical experimental fuel consumption data per 100 kilometers for the vehicle model.
With nearly twenty years of driving experience, it's really frustrating when the fuel consumption suddenly increases a bit. The most common cause is insufficient tire pressure—when the wheels don't turn smoothly due to increased resistance, the car struggles to move and naturally consumes more fuel. Another issue could be a clogged air filter, which prevents the engine from drawing in enough air, leading to incomplete combustion—like gasping for breath. Last time, I forgot to replace the spark plugs, and the old ones failed to ignite properly, wasting fuel inefficiently. Also, when the weather changes, the warm-up time lengthens, which also eats into fuel costs. I recommend checking the tire pressure and air filter yourself to avoid expensive trips to the repair shop. While you're at it, clean the throttle valve to prevent carbon buildup. Pay attention to driving habits too—gentle acceleration and braking can extend fuel life. Keep a checklist to prevent small issues from turning into big problems.