Why Do Vans Consume More Fuel?
4 Answers
There are multiple reasons why vans are particularly fuel-consuming. Here is a detailed explanation: 1. Vehicle-related reasons: (1) Excessive carbon deposits in the engine: The main reason for excessive carbon deposits in the engine in a short period is the use of unsuitable fuel. This situation is more likely to occur after long-distance driving or lending the vehicle to others. When driving long distances, it is inevitable to refuel at various locations. Even for the same grade of fuel, the quality may vary, leading to the accidental use of unsuitable fuel. Lending the vehicle to others makes it even harder to control the quality of the fuel added. (2) Long overdue replacement of the "three filters": During vehicle use, the three filters (oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter) must be replaced regularly. If not replaced for a long time, they become dirty and affect performance, sending incorrect information to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon deposits. (3) Damaged oxygen sensor: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor mainly monitors the fuel-air ratio in the engine. Once damaged, it causes an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. After the oxygen sensor is damaged, the exhaust pipe emits darker-colored exhaust during driving. 2. External factors: (1) Bad driving habits: Personal driving habits have a significant impact on fuel consumption, such as sudden acceleration and hard braking, which affect the vehicle's fuel consumption. The optimal driving speed should be maintained at 60-80 km/h. Additionally, observing road conditions in advance and using the throttle to control speed can help. (2) Road conditions: Choosing the right route is also a crucial factor in fuel efficiency. Sometimes, a longer distance may not necessarily mean worse road conditions. Therefore, when selecting a route, try to choose less congested and shorter routes to save more fuel.
I've been driving a van for twenty years, and high fuel consumption mainly boils down to several factors: First, the vehicle itself is heavy, especially with older models where the engine is less efficient, leading to incomplete combustion and naturally higher fuel consumption. Add to that the congested urban road conditions, with frequent stops and starts, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket quickly. Insufficient tire pressure is also a hidden danger, as increased rolling resistance drags down fuel efficiency. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making the engine work harder. Driving habits also matter—sudden acceleration and hard braking can double fuel consumption. I regularly check tire pressure and filters, cultivate smooth driving habits, and close windows at high speeds to reduce wind resistance, saving a lot on fuel costs. If buying a new car, opting for a model with low wind resistance design is even better.
As a van driver who frequently goes on long-distance trips, I've found that common causes of high fuel consumption include tire issues. Last time my tire pressure was 0.5 bar lower than recommended, and fuel consumption instantly increased by 10%. When the air filter gets clogged with dust, the engine can't intake enough air, resulting in an overly rich fuel mixture that wastes gasoline. Carrying excessive loads, especially when frequently transporting goods or adding heavy equipment, also increases fuel consumption. Aged engine oil increases friction and leads to higher fuel usage. Regular maintenance is key – for example, cleaning the throttle body and replacing filters every 5,000 kilometers, and adjusting tire pressure to the standard value. While driving, avoid flooring the accelerator and maintain an economical speed for better fuel efficiency. With simple maintenance and good habits, fuel consumption can be kept within a reasonable range.
High fuel consumption in vans is related to design: tall body height increases wind resistance, leading to dramatically higher drag at high speeds; outdated transmission gear ratios result in inefficient power output. Additionally, the engine ECU program is obsolete, leading to imprecise combustion control. After modifications or heavy loads, the suspension deforms under pressure, reducing transmission efficiency. It is recommended to choose modern lightweight models, optimize powertrain matching, or install fuel-saving devices. Reducing the drag coefficient by 10% can save a significant amount of fuel.
