What to Do If the Car's Fuel Consumption Is High?
3 Answers
Here are the solutions for high fuel consumption in cars: 1. Method 1: Check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is too low, the sinking amount increases, the load on the tire edges increases, the tire shoulders wear prematurely, and the rolling resistance increases, which is unfavorable for both fuel economy and tire longevity. 2. Method 2: Check if the engine oil type matches your car. Oil with higher viscosity increases the internal resistance of the engine, slows down the oil flow rate, and leads to increased fuel consumption. Choosing the right viscosity of oil can effectively control fuel consumption. If you are unsure about the suitable oil viscosity for your car, you can refer to the vehicle's manual. 3. Method 3: Ensure regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and fuel filter. The air filter is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air. When piston machinery (such as internal combustion engines, reciprocating compressors, etc.) operates, if the inhaled air contains dust or other impurities, it will accelerate the wear of parts, so an air filter is essential. If the car's air filter is not replaced for a long time, it will severely affect the engine's air intake, leading to insufficient engine power and increased fuel consumption. If the fuel filter is not replaced for a long time, it will provide incorrect signals to the engine control unit, also resulting in increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners replace the air filter and fuel filter on schedule.
I once experienced high idle speed while driving myself, when the tachometer suddenly shot up to 2000 RPM, which scared me into pulling over to check. First, see if there's any foreign object stuck under the accelerator pedal—it might be the floor mat sliding and pressing on it. If that's not the issue, it's likely due to excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body. You can try spraying throttle body cleaner yourself, but avoid disassembling it randomly as it’s easy to damage. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to visit a repair shop. They can use a diagnostic scanner to check for trouble codes—it might be a dirty idle control valve or a faulty mass airflow sensor. Regularly replacing the air filter during maintenance can prevent this. High idle speed not only wastes fuel but also increases engine wear and affects driving safety, so don’t delay in addressing it.
Common issues with high idle speed during car repairs typically include a dirty throttle body, a stuck idle control valve, or abnormal signals from the electronic control unit. It is recommended that the owner first turns off the engine and restarts it. If the RPM still exceeds 1200, check whether the throttle cable is loose or dirty. Simple cleaning can be done by yourself—just buy a bottle of specialized cleaner and apply it, but avoid revving the engine aggressively. If the problem persists, seek professional help, as they can read ECU fault codes to accurately diagnose the issue. Untreated high idle speed not only increases fuel consumption but can also lead to excessive emissions, engine overheating, and reduced lifespan.
