What Causes a Sudden Increase in Fuel Consumption During Summer?
2 Answers
Reasons for increased fuel consumption: Tire pressure issues: Unstable tire pressure can easily lead to higher fuel consumption, especially when the tire pressure is too low. Increased friction with the ground can result in excessive fuel consumption. Therefore, it's important to check tire pressure and any damage before heading out, which also helps avoid potential driving hazards. Improper window usage: In summer, the temperature inside the car is often higher than outside, so drivers usually turn on the air conditioning to keep the interior cool, which increases fuel consumption. Additionally, driving at high speeds with all windows open can actually lead to much higher fuel consumption than using the air conditioning. It's recommended to use the air conditioning when necessary and not assume that opening windows will save more fuel—this is only true at low speeds.
As an experienced car owner, I've noticed a sudden increase in fuel consumption during summer. First, increased air conditioning usage is the main culprit. Running the AC puts extra load on the engine, especially during traffic jams when frequent AC cycling consumes more fuel. Second, tire pressure changes due to thermal expansion or underinflation can alter rolling resistance - last month I discovered abnormal front tire pressure caused my fuel consumption to skyrocket. Third, high temperatures affect fuel evaporation and combustion efficiency, potentially causing engine power deficiency. Fourth, neglected vehicle maintenance like dirty air filters or aged spark plugs worsens these issues in hot weather. Fifth, driving habits such as keeping windows open or sudden braking increase air resistance or power loss. I recommend checking tire pressure and AC systems, developing sensible driving habits, and performing regular maintenance to prevent unexpected expenses.
