What is Damaged When Fuel Consumption Suddenly Drops?
3 Answers
Fuel consumption suddenly drops due to a damaged pressure relief valve. Here is the relevant introduction: 1. Pressure relief valve: The pressure relief device is essentially a valve. Its principle is that when the engine speed is high and the turbo pressure is too great, the valve opens to release gas, thereby reducing pressure and ensuring engine safety. 2. Damaged pressure relief valve: If the pressure relief valve gets stuck, cracks, or even develops a large hole, the sealing of the valve is completely compromised. At this point, the pressure relief valve remains in an "open" state, preventing any pressure buildup in the turbo. As soon as pressure rises, it "escapes" through the leaking valve, effectively turning the "turbocharged car into a naturally aspirated car."
Recently, my car's fuel consumption has suddenly decreased. While this may seem like a good thing, it could indicate a fault. As a seasoned long-distance driver, I believe there are several common causes to check. First, the oxygen sensor might be faulty—it controls the fuel mixture ratio, and if it fails, it can reduce fuel injection, seemingly saving fuel but potentially causing engine overheating and damage. Second, the air filter could be too dirty and clogged, restricting airflow into the engine, leading to lower fuel consumption but also reduced power. Third, tire pressure might be too high or the tires unevenly worn, reducing rolling resistance and fuel consumption, but this also weakens grip, making high-speed driving dangerous. Fourth, there could be an issue with the ignition system, such as aging spark plugs, leading to incomplete combustion and reduced fuel consumption. Fifth, the fuel pump might be malfunctioning, delivering insufficient fuel due to abnormal output. This situation shouldn’t be delayed—visit a repair shop as soon as possible to read the fault codes and inspect the vehicle, lest a minor issue turns into a major repair, affecting both driving safety and your wallet.
My Honda Civic's fuel consumption has recently dropped significantly. From the experience of a daily commuter, this is usually a sign of a problem. I've noticed similar situations many times, mostly due to faulty sensors, especially when the oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor misreads data, causing the computer to automatically adjust and reduce fuel injection, seemingly saving fuel but actually preventing the engine from running efficiently. Sometimes, it's a clogged fuel filter or partially blocked fuel injectors reducing flow, which lowers fuel consumption. Last month, my friend's car had abnormally low fuel consumption, and it turned out the tire pressure was too high, making the car feel unstable and floaty. Another possibility is a dirty air filter, causing insufficient air intake and a leaner air-fuel mixture, reducing fuel consumption but resulting in weak acceleration. In short, a sudden drop in fuel consumption isn't as good as it seems on the surface. You need to personally check the tire pressure, sensors, and systems, and not ignore potential safety hazards just to save money.
