What to Do If a New Car Has High Fuel Consumption?
2 Answers
Solutions for high fuel consumption in new cars mainly fall into five aspects. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Regularly check the air filter to see if it is clogged. Poor air intake will increase fuel consumption, and improper installation may affect air intake, allowing dust and impurities to enter the engine, leading to severe engine wear. Choosing a low-quality air filter will increase intake resistance, reduce engine power, raise fuel consumption, and easily cause carbon buildup. 2. Standardize your driving habits. Driving with the accelerator fully pressed increases fuel consumption by 2-3 times compared to steady-speed driving. Sudden acceleration and braking will inevitably raise fuel consumption. 3. Check tire pressure. The normal range for most passenger cars is 2.5-2.8 bar. Both overinflated and underinflated tires can negatively affect driving. High-end cars usually come with a tire pressure monitoring system, and those without this feature can install an aftermarket tire pressure monitor for driving safety. 4. Choose the right engine oil. Higher oil viscosity increases piston movement resistance inside the engine, naturally leading to higher fuel consumption. For new cars, selecting relatively low-viscosity oil is sufficient. 5. Replace the battery regularly. Typically, a battery may experience power loss after 2-3 years of use, resulting in insufficient starting voltage, weak engine cranking, reduced ignition energy, and a consequent surge in fuel consumption.
The high fuel consumption of my newly purchased car might be a common phenomenon during the break-in period. In the first few thousand kilometers, the engine hasn't fully smoothed out, so it's natural for fuel consumption to be higher. It's recommended to drive gently, avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and maintain a steady speed of 60-80 km/h on highways for better fuel efficiency. Check if the tire pressure meets the standard, as too low pressure increases resistance; avoid carrying heavy items in the trunk to reduce load. Using the air conditioning less in the city can reduce fuel consumption by 10%, so opt for ventilation mode more often. Regular maintenance is crucial for a new car—use the correct oil type as specified in the manual, and fuel consumption will stabilize after a few thousand kilometers. Remember, driving lightly and smoothly ensures both safety and savings.
