Why Does the 4WD Tiguan Consume So Much Fuel?
2 Answers
The reasons for the high fuel consumption of the Tiguan: 1. Severe engine carbon deposits: During long-term operation of the vehicle, gasoline inevitably produces carbon deposits and sludge during combustion. If these deposits and sludge are not cleaned in time, it will lead to increased fuel consumption. 2. Spark plug failure: The function of the car's spark plug is to use high voltage to generate sparks to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If damaged, the ignition energy will decrease, causing uneven combustion of the mixture, which will slow down the vehicle's acceleration and increase fuel consumption. 3. Oxygen sensor failure: The oxygen sensor is used to detect exhaust gases. By analyzing the oxygen content data in the exhaust, over time, the oxygen sensor can accumulate carbon deposits, leading to inaccurate data and increased fuel consumption. 4. Abnormal tire pressure: Each car has an optimal tire pressure value. Incorrect tire pressure can also affect the vehicle's fuel consumption. When the tire pressure is too low or the tread is severely worn, the contact area between the tire and the road surface increases, friction increases, rolling resistance increases, and fuel consumption naturally rises.
As a seasoned driver who has been driving a 4WD Tiguan for several years, I've found that the high fuel consumption is mainly due to the heavy four-wheel-drive system, which has significantly more mechanical components than a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine needs to work harder during acceleration, burning more fuel. During my daily commute in city traffic, fuel consumption can spike to over 12L/100km, but on the highway at a steady speed, it can drop to around 10L. Vehicle weight is a major issue—the Tiguan's high ground clearance and 4WD components push its weight over 1.7 tons, slowing acceleration efficiency. Another factor is drivetrain loss, as power travels a longer distance from the engine to all four wheels, wasting more energy. To save fuel, I regularly check tire pressure to keep it above 2.5 bar and replace engine oil and air filters. Driving in snow with 4WD is much safer in winter, but the higher fuel cost must be accepted. For those who mostly drive in the city, switching to a two-wheel-drive model might be more economical.
