Why Does the Break-in Period Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Generally, a car's fuel consumption during the break-in period should be relatively higher. If the fuel consumption after the break-in period is higher instead, it could be due to dirty fuel injectors and throttle body not being cleaned in time. Additionally, dirty intake valves can also cause this situation. When a new car has been driven for 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers, it is necessary to clean the carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and intake tract, and replace the "three filters" in time, which has a significant impact on the car's future fuel consumption. Tips for saving fuel during the break-in period: 1. Avoid aggressive driving. Owners should not start by stomping on the accelerator after stopping, as this behavior increases fuel consumption. 2. Maintain appropriate tire pressure. When tire pressure is too low, the car will consume more fuel, and both too high and too low pressure can lead to tire blowouts! Therefore, owners need to frequently check their car's tire pressure, which not only effectively reduces fuel consumption but also ensures safety. 3. Avoid prolonged idling. Even when the engine is idling, the car still consumes fuel. If not necessary, owners should turn off the engine when parked and waiting, rather than letting it idle continuously. 4. Do not carry excessive loads. A heavier vehicle will consume more fuel during normal driving. Therefore, during the break-in period of a new car, try to empty the trunk as much as possible. 5. Use higher gears whenever possible. Generally, driving in lower gears consumes more fuel, so owners driving manual transmission cars should shift to higher gears promptly after the speed stabilizes, while those driving automatic transmission cars should select the appropriate mode to avoid consuming more fuel.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe the high fuel consumption during the break-in period is mainly due to new engine components not yet fully meshing together. Metal parts like piston rings and cylinder walls initially have significant friction, similar to how new shoes might rub uncomfortably when walking—this consumes more energy, leading to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the engine oil hasn't fully circulated, resulting in suboptimal lubrication, which increases resistance during piston movement and also consumes more fuel. It's normal for a new car to have slightly higher fuel consumption in the first few hundred kilometers—no need to worry, just follow the recommended RPM and speed in the manual. After about 1,000 kilometers, when the parts have worn in smoothly, fuel efficiency will gradually improve, showing noticeable savings. Remember to avoid sudden acceleration or prolonged high speeds, as this also benefits engine longevity.
