Why Does the Average Fuel Consumption Suddenly Increase After Refueling?
4 Answers
After refueling, the car's fuel consumption will show a particularly noticeable increase. The reason is that the initial fuel consumption calculation is basically fuel consumption divided by mileage, combined with speed calculation, and since the distance is almost zero, the fuel consumption will be very high. As speed, road conditions, and mileage increase, the fuel consumption will tend to normalize. The precautions for refueling are as follows: 1. Refuel in advance: Try not to wait until the fuel is completely exhausted before refueling, as this can easily reduce the lubrication effect of the engine and affect its service life. 2. Go to a regular gas station: When refueling, go to a regular gas station to add high-quality fuel, which helps the engine work and can also extend its service life. 3. Do not mix fuels: Different types of fuel should not be mixed, otherwise it may damage the engine, and in severe cases, the engine may be directly scrapped.
After my last refuel, the displayed fuel consumption suddenly increased a lot, which gave me a scare. Upon reflection, it might be because after refueling, the car felt more powerful, and I unconsciously drove more aggressively. Normally, I drive at 70 km/h for my commute, but now I often go over 80 km/h, with much more frequent hard acceleration and braking. The average fuel consumption is calculated in real-time, and the system might recalibrate the readings after a full tank, especially noticeable with short-distance aggressive driving. Don’t worry too much; try driving smoothly for a couple of days first. I once resolved it this way, and the fuel consumption gradually dropped back down.
I noticed a sudden increase in fuel consumption after each refueling, but it doesn't necessarily mean the car is actually burning more fuel. Air or moisture entering the fuel tank during refueling can cause sensor misreadings and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Check the fuel quality—some small gas stations have fuel with more impurities, which require more fuel to burn when mixed into the engine. Overfilling the tank could also be a factor, as high fuel levels affect pressure measurements. I recommend monitoring the trend over a few tankfuls. If the high consumption persists, check for clogs in the fuel system or dirty oxygen sensors. That's how I dealt with it on my old car.
It's common for the average fuel consumption to rise quickly after refueling. The car's onboard computer resets calculation data when refueling, and a few minutes of hard acceleration or climbing hills will show higher readings, but this doesn't mean actual increased fuel usage. Just drive on highways or smooth roads for a while to let it auto-calibrate. Additionally, mixing new fuel with residual old fuel in the tank can sometimes temporarily affect combustion efficiency, causing slightly higher consumption, but it soon returns to normal. Don't rush to repair it—it's a waste of money.
