Why Does a Car's Fuel Consumption Suddenly Increase?

[Ortiz]

There are several reasons for increased vehicle fuel consumption: 1. Insufficient tire pressure and tire wear. Low or insufficient tire pressure increases friction between the tires and the ground, leading to greater resistance and higher fuel consumption. Severe tire wear often causes slipping, which also increases fuel consumption. 2. Pay attention to fuel quality and regularly clean carbon deposits. Poor-quality gasoline can lead to more carbon deposits, which roughen the intake pipe walls, affecting the intake efficiency and the quality of the air-fuel mixture, causing a sharp rise in fuel consumption. 3. Regularly check the oxygen sensor. This ceramic component, located on the engine's exhaust pipe, detects and controls the oxygen-to-fuel ratio. Over time, the electronic fuel injection system's computer may fail to receive information about the oxygen concentration in the exhaust pipe, often resulting in a higher concentration of the air-fuel mixture in the engine and increased fuel consumption. 4. Driving habits. Everyone's driving habits differ, and poor driving habits can also lead to higher fuel consumption, such as rapid acceleration or flooring the gas pedal when starting. Therefore, good driving habits are crucial to preventing increased fuel consumption. 5. Driving conditions. Heavy traffic can also cause higher fuel consumption because the engine works harder to overcome ground friction when moving from a standstill, increasing fuel injection and thus fuel consumption. 6. Regularly replace spark plugs. Spark plugs generate high-voltage sparks to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If damaged, their ignition energy decreases, causing uneven combustion of the mixture, slower acceleration, and increased fuel consumption.

[DeMariana]

My car also experienced a sudden increase in fuel consumption before. Upon careful reflection, I realized it was often due to unconsciously adopting more aggressive driving habits, such as sudden acceleration or braking, which increases engine load and burns more fuel. Additionally, if the air filter in the car gets clogged, the engine can't intake enough air, resulting in an overly rich fuel mixture and a spike in fuel consumption. Low tire pressure is another common issue; insufficient pressure increases rolling resistance, potentially adding an extra tenth of a liter per kilometer. Don't forget to check the fuel system either—carbon buildup in the fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter can also reduce efficiency. A sudden rise in fuel consumption is definitely not a minor issue. I've found that getting a comprehensive check-up at the maintenance shop early on is crucial to avoid more expensive and troublesome repairs later. Now that my fuel consumption has finally returned to normal, I feel much more relaxed while driving.

[OChase]

I often discuss fuel consumption issues with my friends, and many times it's due to the lack of regular car maintenance. If the air filter is dirty and not replaced, the engine has to work harder, naturally increasing fuel consumption. Or if the spark plugs are worn out and ignition is poor, fuel combustion is incomplete, leading to serious fuel wastage. In winter, due to low temperatures, the engine requires a warm-up period, and fuel consumption will temporarily rise. If you always drive short distances, the car doesn't reach its optimal operating temperature, and fuel consumption will be higher than usual. I remember last time my car's fuel consumption increased, and upon inspection, I found that the tire pressure was low and I had recently added some luggage, increasing the car's weight. I recommend everyone to develop the habit of checking tire pressure regularly and clearing unnecessary loads before long trips. Saving fuel is also environmentally friendly—a win-win situation.

[SanJesse]

When my car's fuel consumption suddenly increases, my first suspicion is either excessive use of the air conditioning or hot weather. During high-temperature seasons, the air conditioning compressor works harder, requiring the engine to exert extra effort, which significantly increases fuel consumption. It could also be due to a fuel tank leak or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. A faulty sensor can disrupt the air-fuel ratio, causing unstable fuel injection, either too much or too little. A friend who enjoys long-distance road trips told me that driving on high-altitude routes with low air pressure can also temporarily increase fuel consumption. Additionally, check if the engine oil has aged, as incorrect viscosity can increase friction resistance. If these minor issues are ignored and accumulate, fuel consumption will undoubtedly rise. It's advisable to address them promptly to avoid major problems.