Why Does Fuel Consumption Increase After the First Maintenance?
2 Answers
After changing to new engine oil during the first maintenance, the engine's transmission components and cylinders need time to adapt to the new oil, and a new oil film gradually forms. Therefore, immediately after the oil change, there might be a slight increase in fuel consumption and engine noise, which is normal (it is advisable to avoid excessive vehicle speed and engine RPM). Additionally, if the new oil is overfilled (exceeding the upper limit on the dipstick, increasing crankshaft rotation resistance) or is unsuitable (having excessively high high-temperature viscosity), it can also lead to increased fuel consumption. The main factors affecting a car's fuel consumption include: 1. Advanced automotive technology is crucial for fuel efficiency: The vehicle's own weight, body design, and engine thermal efficiency are three key automotive technologies related to fuel consumption. 2. Good vehicle condition is fundamental to fuel saving: Besides regular cleaning, proper maintenance of the car is essential, such as lubricating wheel hub bearings on schedule, regularly replacing the air filter element, and promptly checking the brake system's condition. 3. Incorrect driving habits can double fuel consumption: As cars become more common in households, the number of non-professional drivers increases, and some drivers' poor habits can lead to higher fuel consumption. 4. Road conditions significantly determine fuel usage: Experts estimate that driving in urban conditions can increase fuel consumption by 20% compared to driving on test tracks. The biggest factor affecting fuel consumption in city driving is frequent starts, stops, gear shifts, accelerations, and decelerations caused by traffic congestion. Driving on poor road surfaces also increases fuel consumption.
Just after the first maintenance, I noticed an increase in fuel consumption, which is something I've seen quite often. First, check if too much engine oil was added or if a different viscosity oil was used. Oil that's too thick increases engine resistance, naturally leading to higher fuel consumption. It's also possible that the new oil hasn't fully broken in yet; it might take a few hundred kilometers to reach optimal performance. Additionally, if the air filter was disturbed during maintenance, such as improper installation causing blockage, insufficient air intake can lead to increased fuel injection. Low tire pressure is another hidden fuel consumption culprit. Last time after maintenance, all four tires were only at 2.0 pressure, and it was noticeably more fuel-consuming to drive. I recommend driving another 200-300 kilometers and then checking again. If the issue persists, look into these key points.
