Why does the fuel consumption reach 20 when starting the car?
4 Answers
The reasons for the fuel consumption reaching 20 when starting the car are as follows: Normal phenomenon: It is normal for the fuel consumption to be over 20 when the car is just started. There is no special reason for this, and it usually takes driving 7-8 kilometers for it to drop to the normal value. Fuel consumption is definitely higher when the car is ignited, but it will decrease after driving. Fuel consumption range during driving: Urban roads are complex, and vehicles need to brake and start frequently, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Generally, fuel consumption is around 10+ liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, fuel consumption may vary depending on the car's displacement, road conditions, and the driver's driving style.
I've been driving for over a decade and noticed that the fuel consumption display jumping to around 20 liters at startup is quite normal, especially during cold starts. When the engine first ignites at low temperatures, the computer automatically injects more fuel to help the engine quickly warm up to its optimal operating state—it's as natural as drinking more hot water in winter. If you're just idling or driving a very short distance initially, the fuel consumption will naturally appear alarmingly high because the system hasn't stabilized yet. However, if this happens every time you start the car and persists without decreasing, it's time for a check-up. Common issues include clogged fuel injectors, dirty air flow meters, or aging spark plugs, which can cause an overly rich fuel mixture and burn more fuel. To avoid consistently high fuel consumption, remember to warm up the engine for a minute or two before driving and minimize frequent short-distance starts and stops. Regular maintenance like oil and filter changes can help prevent these problems.
I often help friends deal with such situations. The fuel consumption showing 20 at startup might be due to the engine control strategy during cold starts: the system intentionally adds extra fuel to ensure smooth ignition and rapid warm-up. This is usually more noticeable in winter or during short-distance driving. If the fuel consumption remains at 20 right after startup and stays high, it's necessary to check for abnormalities, such as an oxygen sensor malfunction causing incomplete combustion or an intake manifold leak increasing fuel consumption. I would recommend first checking if any warning lights are on the dashboard, then performing a simple self-check: gently press the accelerator to see if the response is smooth and listen for any unusual engine noises. If everything is normal, the fuel consumption should drop after three to five minutes as the RPM stabilizes. If there are abnormalities, it's best to visit a repair shop to check the computer codes and clean the throttle body. Maintaining good driving habits, such as avoiding sudden acceleration and prolonged idling, can help prevent long-term high fuel consumption.
I was also worried about this when I first learned to drive. It's normal for fuel consumption to instantly reach 20 when starting the car, because the engine needs more fuel to heat up internal parts during a cold start. If you sit in the car for a few minutes and wait for the temperature gauge to rise, the fuel consumption usually drops back to a reasonable level. Friends who frequently take short trips should pay special attention, as the accumulated consumption from each start can make the overall fuel consumption higher. Don't rush to drive; letting the car idle for a short while can save some fuel. If the consumption always stays at 20 and doesn't decrease, consider whether the air filter is dirty or if there's a battery issue, as these indirectly affect fuel consumption performance.
