Why does a car suddenly consume more fuel?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car suddenly consumes more fuel: Engine carbon deposits: During long-term operation, carbon deposits and sludge inevitably form in the combustion process of gasoline. If these deposits and sludge are not cleaned in time, they can lead to increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to clean engine carbon deposits promptly. Spark plug failure: The function of a car's spark plug is to generate an electric spark with high voltage to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If the spark plug is damaged, the ignition energy decreases, causing uneven combustion of the mixture, which results in slower acceleration and increased fuel consumption. In such cases, it is necessary to inspect and replace the spark plugs promptly. Sensor malfunction: Faulty car sensors are also a major cause of increased fuel consumption. For example, when the coolant temperature sensor fails, the engine may mistakenly assume the car is in a cold state, continuously sending signals to inject more fuel, leading to higher fuel consumption.
I suddenly noticed my car's fuel consumption has spiked by over ten percent, a situation I've encountered many times. Usually, it's due to insufficient tire pressure. Flat tires drag like walking with heavy feet, naturally increasing fuel consumption. Just use a pressure gauge to check the standard value and top up some air. The air filter also needs inspection; if it's dirty and blocks the air intake system, the engine will gasp for air and consume more fuel. Replacing it yourself is an easy fix. Driving habits matter too; speeding, sudden braking, or frequent starts can cause fuel consumption to skyrocket. Adjusting to a steadier, more even driving style saves fuel. Then there's the fuel quality issue; poor-quality gasoline burns incompletely, leading to higher consumption and more problems. Choosing reputable gas stations helps avoid pitfalls. Checking these simple steps can usually resolve most issues.
