Why Does a New Car Consume More Fuel During Its First Refueling?
3 Answers
Because new cars are in the break-in period. Here are the details: General reason: The break-in period is when various components of the car need to practice and coordinate with each other. Since automobiles consist of large mechanical parts, these components need to come into contact, rub, and mesh with each other during driving to adapt to one another. Bad habits: If the driver's operation is incorrect, the issue of high fuel consumption can worsen. Objective factors: At high speeds, opening the sunroof or side windows significantly increases wind resistance. The greater the resistance, the more power is required, and the amount of power directly relates to fuel consumption. Therefore, it's better to use the air conditioning at high speeds.
I've been a seasoned driver for decades and have purchased several new cars. Each time, I noticed higher fuel consumption after the first refueling, mainly not due to the fuel itself but because the engine components of a brand-new car haven't fully broken in yet. The friction between parts is higher, such as imperfect fitting between pistons and cylinders, leading to lower operational efficiency and naturally consuming more fuel. I remember when I drove that new car, the fuel consumption was significantly higher during the first 1,000 kilometers of the break-in period, but it gradually decreased afterward. Additionally, there might be some additives in the fuel system of a new car to clean out factory residues, which can also increase fuel consumption. I recommend avoiding high-speed racing or sudden braking when driving a new car; smooth driving can help the parts break in faster, and regular maintenance checks can prevent long-term fuel consumption issues. In short, this isn't a major problem, and it will normalize after a few thousand kilometers of driving.
As a new car owner, I was also quite curious about this issue. The first time I refueled my new car, the fuel seemed to be consumed quickly, and there are actually several reasons for this. The engine of a new car is like new shoes that need breaking in—the parts aren't properly fitted yet, causing higher friction and thus increased fuel consumption. I checked many online posts to confirm this point. Additionally, when the car was new, I drove more cautiously, afraid of scratches and drove slower, encountering more traffic jams in the city, which also raised the fuel consumption data. Also, the fuel gauge might not be very accurate initially, and the special fuel used by the manufacturer for testing could have an impact. My advice is not to worry too much; try driving more on highways or flat roads. After driving a few hundred kilometers normally, the fuel consumption will stabilize—I've experienced this firsthand. Developing reasonable driving habits is key; avoid idling for too long or frequent start-stop cycles. The new car maintenance manual also has reminders, so remember to perform regular maintenance.
