Why Does Driving in Summer Consume More Fuel?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why driving consumes more fuel in summer: 1. Issues with spark plugs or ignition coils: If spark plugs have been used for too long, they can lead to increased fuel consumption. This is because damaged spark plugs reduce ignition energy, resulting in significantly higher gasoline consumption. 2. Oxygen sensor failure: The oxygen sensor is a ceramic component located on the engine's exhaust pipe, used to detect and control the ratio of oxygen to fuel. Once it malfunctions, the computer of the electronic fuel injection system cannot obtain information about the oxygen concentration in the exhaust pipe, often causing the mixture in the engine to become too rich, which also increases fuel consumption.
I always feel like my car consumes more fuel in the summer, mainly because the air conditioning is used more frequently. The weather is unbearably hot, and without the AC, the car feels like a sauna. The air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine, so once it's turned on, fuel consumption skyrockets. The engine has to handle both the AC and its own cooling in high temperatures, leading to reduced efficiency. Additionally, the thinner air causes incomplete combustion, requiring even more fuel. Moreover, summer travel brings more traffic, often leading to congestion, and frequent braking and acceleration further increase fuel consumption. Tires also face higher rolling resistance on hot roads, and improperly adjusted tire pressure adds extra burden. It's recommended to slightly increase the AC temperature, use external ventilation, or try driving during cooler morning or evening hours to avoid peak traffic, which can help save on fuel costs.
As someone who frequently contemplates cars, the higher fuel consumption in summer stems from the performance changes of the engine in high-temperature environments. Hot air has lower density, leading to insufficient air intake, which prevents fuel from burning completely, necessitating additional fuel injection to compensate for power loss. When the air conditioning is running, the compressor diverts some power, increasing the load. Additionally, to prevent overheating, the cooling system's fan and water pump work more frequently, consuming more energy. Tires expand due to heat, increasing rolling resistance, and small details can accumulate into significant differences in fuel consumption. Regularly checking tire pressure and maintaining the air conditioning filter is crucial. It's also advisable to plan routes to avoid congestion, reducing unnecessary idling stops, thereby making driving more efficient.
