
Cars with powerful engines typically have higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the working condition of various car components can also affect fuel usage. Factors affecting fuel consumption: Bumpy roads increase fuel usage; incorrect driving techniques can double or triple fuel consumption; driving at high speeds in low gear increases fuel use by 10%. Every vehicle has an optimal speed for fuel efficiency—driving below or above this speed increases consumption, and exceeding a certain speed significantly raises fuel usage. Poor maintenance also leads to higher fuel consumption. Methods to reduce fuel consumption: Maintain your car's optimal performance by changing the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers and checking the filters. Keeping tire pressure at the correct level is another effective way to lower fuel consumption.

As someone who has driven many cars, I generally find that large SUVs or pickup trucks have particularly high fuel consumption due to their heavy body weight, high wind resistance, and powerful engines. A single press on the accelerator can make the fuel gauge drop noticeably. I once drove a friend's V8-powered pickup truck—it was manageable on long trips, but the fuel consumption in the city was astonishing, costing over a hundred bucks per fill-up. Luxury models with strong performance, like certain versions of the BMW X5, are also gas guzzlers, draining your wallet significantly within a month. Regular maintenance can help slightly, such as maintaining proper tire pressure and replacing air filters, otherwise, it’s even more wasteful. Checking the combined fuel consumption data before buying a new car is crucial—hybrids and small-displacement economy cars are more cost-effective, especially with rising fuel prices affecting budgets and the environment.

My experience is that sports cars or performance cars have high fuel consumption, and pressing the throttle slightly deeper will quickly burn through fuel, especially in urban traffic with constant stop-and-go driving. I remember driving a used sports car before—it was exhilarating with fast acceleration, but the high frequency of refueling each week led to significant expenses. Fuel consumption varies greatly among different car models; American muscle cars like the Dodge Charger generally consume more than compact Japanese cars. Driving habits also play a key role—sudden acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel, while maintaining a steady speed can save some. Poor vehicle condition, such as an old engine or inadequate maintenance, can increase fuel consumption. Replacing spark plugs or cleaning the intake system might help. Pay attention to fuel efficiency indicators when choosing a car—don’t just focus on power and overlook maintenance costs, as long-term savings can be substantial.

I've observed that older cars or poorly maintained vehicles generally have higher fuel consumption. For example, cars over ten years old with aging engines experience reduced compression ratios and lower combustion efficiency, leading to increased gasoline consumption. Some imported vintage cars or early domestic models with outdated designs have higher aerodynamic drag, and coupled with worn-out components like carburetors or ignition system issues, they become even more fuel-intensive. Driving such vehicles requires regular checks and replacements of air filters, engine oil, etc., otherwise, fuel consumption can double, increasing expenses. Even new cars can see higher fuel consumption if improperly modified, such as installing high-power audio systems or underbody lighting, which increases load. The key is rational usage to ensure both safety and economy.


