Why Does a New Car Have Particularly High Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
During the break-in period, a new car tends to have higher fuel consumption than usual because the friction resistance of new components is relatively high, leading to increased fuel usage. Below is an introduction regarding the fuel consumption of new cars: 1. Precautions: Avoid letting the engine run at excessively high RPMs during use. Generally, keep the RPM below 3,000; for automatic transmissions, do not exceed 3,500 RPM. Avoid maintaining a single gear for too long or driving in low gears for extended periods. All vehicles bear a greater actual load when driving at low speeds compared to moderate speeds, so the break-in period should not be prolonged at speeds below 60 km/h. Gradually increase the speed. 2. Reasons: During the break-in period, it is essential to maintain good driving habits, control the speed, and avoid aggressive driving. Typically, fuel consumption during the break-in period is relatively higher—about 1 to 2 units more than under normal conditions. This is mainly because the components of a new car have not yet reached their optimal working state, and their surfaces are not yet smooth, resulting in higher friction resistance, making the car harder to drive and thus more fuel-consuming.
When I first bought my new car, I noticed the fuel consumption was unusually high, which made me worry if there was something wrong with the car. Later, I learned that new cars go through a break-in period, typically during the first few thousand kilometers, where engine components are still adapting, resulting in fuel consumption being 10%-20% higher than normal. During this time, it's important to avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, and try to maintain smooth driving. Additionally, the tire pressure might not be properly adjusted when the car leaves the factory. Insufficient tire pressure increases rolling resistance, causing fuel consumption to spike even higher. Remember to have the 4S shop check the tire pressure before taking delivery and keep it at the recommended value. Driving habits also play a crucial role. For example, frequently using the air conditioning or carrying excessive cargo adds extra load to the engine, so I try to minimize unnecessary weight and AC usage. After the break-in period, observe the fuel consumption again. If it remains high, it's time to visit a repair shop for a comprehensive check on the electrical system or sensors to see if there's a malfunction.
As an experienced driver, I believe the high fuel consumption of new cars is mainly caused by driving habits. New car engines are extremely sensitive - if you frequently accelerate aggressively or brake hard, the engine can't react efficiently and burns more fuel. Try gentler starts and anticipating road conditions instead; using cruise control on highways also saves a lot of fuel. Additionally, new cars might have minor setup deviations like underinflated tires or unoptimized AC systems. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, and prolonged AC use consumes extra fuel. I recommend tracking mileage and fuel consumption during the first month. If it exceeds the standard by over 5%, visit the dealership for software calibration or sensor checks, since factory settings aren't always the most fuel-efficient configuration.
