Why does the Tharu have such high fuel consumption?
4 Answers
The reasons for the Tharu's particularly high fuel consumption at startup are as follows: because it displays instantaneous fuel consumption. The moment of starting is in 1st gear, and the clutch is semi-engaged, which means the transmission ratio from the crankshaft to the wheels is at its maximum. Instantaneous fuel consumption is calculated based on the instantaneous fuel injection volume and wheel speed, so the instantaneous fuel consumption at this time is the highest. Here are some methods to reduce fuel consumption: 1. Clean engine carbon deposits: Excessive engine carbon deposits are a significant reason, mainly due to the use of inappropriate fuel. It is recommended to add a certain amount of cleaning agent when refueling, and after cleaning, drive at high speed for a while to help increase exhaust volume and allow stronger airflow to remove larger carbon deposit particles. 2. Check the oxygen sensor: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor mainly monitors the fuel-air ratio of the engine. Once it is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. After the oxygen sensor is damaged, the exhaust pipe will emit darker-colored exhaust during driving, and the oxygen sensor should be replaced at this time. 3. Regularly replace the three filters: During vehicle use, the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter must be replaced regularly. If they are not replaced for a long time, they will become dirty and affect performance, sending incorrect information to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon deposits.
As a Volkswagen Tharu owner, I find high fuel consumption quite common, mainly due to the significant impact of driving habits. When driving in the city, sudden acceleration or hard braking causes fuel consumption to spike rapidly; maintaining a steady driving style saves a lot of fuel. Using the air conditioning also adds to the burden—running the AC in summer can increase fuel consumption by about 10%. The Tharu's heavy body and high drag coefficient mean lower fuel consumption at highway speeds but higher consumption in low-speed city driving. I recommend trying the Eco mode and avoiding unnecessary sharp turns and rapid acceleration. Additionally, regularly check tire pressure, as low pressure significantly increases rolling resistance. In short, developing good driving habits can reduce fuel consumption, so don't worry too much.
From an automotive engineering perspective, the Tharu's relatively high fuel consumption is primarily due to its inherent SUV design. The tall body results in a high drag coefficient, making air resistance the main contributor to fuel consumption at highway speeds. Engine configurations like the 2.0L turbocharged version deliver strong performance but come with higher fuel consumption; opting for the 1.4T version can save some fuel in city driving. The vehicle weighs approximately 1.6 tons, heavier than sedans, adding extra resistance and burden. The aerodynamics are not fully optimized, and the wide body affects efficiency. It's recommended to drive with windows closed to reduce air resistance. Future trends point toward hybrid or lightweight solutions, but there's room for improvement in the conventional Tharu. Through data logging, I've found its highway fuel consumption reasonable, but daily usage habits need adjustment.
High fuel consumption in the Tharu is often due to maintenance neglect. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance and causes a surge in fuel consumption, so it's essential to check and maintain the standard pressure regularly. A dirty air filter restricts engine airflow, leading to incomplete fuel combustion; it should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers. Aged engine oil increases friction and reduces efficiency, but timely oil changes can save fuel—my experience shows a 15% reduction in fuel costs. Spark plug issues are rare, but it doesn't hurt to check them. Overall, as long as basic maintenance is done properly, including tire pressure, air filter, and oil changes, fuel consumption will improve significantly. Don't overlook these small actions.
