Why Has the Car's Fuel Consumption Suddenly Increased?

[SanRhett]

Reasons for a sudden increase in car fuel consumption: 1. Use of inappropriate fuel, leading to excessive engine carbon deposits; 2. Damage to the oxygen sensor causing an imbalance in the engine's air-fuel ratio; 3. Prolonged non-replacement of the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter, resulting in dirt accumulation, impaired functionality, and transmission of incorrect information to the engine control unit, leading to incomplete fuel combustion. Fuel consumption, as defined by national standards, refers to the vehicle's fuel consumption per 100 kilometers obtained in constant-speed fuel consumption tests for certain types of vehicles. It represents the theoretical fuel consumption of a vehicle traveling 100 kilometers on the road at a certain speed.

[LaHarley]

I recently encountered a sudden increase in my car's fuel consumption. As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I think this could be related to several factors. The most common one is insufficient tire pressure – if the tires are underinflated, the increased rolling resistance makes the engine work harder. On the engine side, a clogged air filter can restrict airflow, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, and worn-out spark plugs may cause delayed ignition, increasing fuel consumption. In terms of driving habits, frequent rapid acceleration and hard braking will definitely cause fuel consumption to spike. There could also be a sensor malfunction, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which would prevent the car's computer from properly adjusting the air-fuel ratio. I plan to start with some simple DIY checks, like measuring tire pressure and replacing the air filter. If that doesn’t help, I’ll take it to a professional shop to read the fault codes. Regular smooth driving and scheduled maintenance can effectively prevent such issues. After all, increased fuel consumption isn’t just about higher costs—it could also be an early warning sign of deeper mechanical problems. Addressing it early ensures smoother performance.

[Ricky]

My family car usually has stable fuel consumption when picking up the kids, but recently the sudden increase in fuel costs has got me worried. Thinking back, possible reasons could be the increased load from packing more items in the car during trips, which naturally raises fuel consumption. Or maybe the tire pressure wasn't sufficient—I noticed one tire was slightly flat after parking and adjusted it. Another factor might be unconsciously pressing the accelerator harder and braking abruptly, especially in congested areas with frequent stops and starts, which consumes more fuel. The longer warm-up time during colder weather might also contribute a bit. I make it a habit to record fuel consumption data in an app and check simple items when anomalies occur. Developing habits like smooth acceleration and reducing excessive air conditioning can help lower fuel consumption. If these measures don't improve the situation, I'll need to visit the 4S shop for a comprehensive check by the mechanics to ensure daily driving remains economical and worry-free.

[GabriellaLee]

As a new car owner, I was quite nervous when I first noticed a sudden increase in fuel consumption. A friend suggested it might be due to changes in my driving habits, like frequent hard acceleration on the highway recently, which can drive up fuel usage. Or it could be low tire pressure needing prompt inflation, as soft tires increase resistance and make the engine work harder. The worst fear is engine trouble, but I didn’t dare tamper with it myself—maybe the spark plugs are old and need replacing, or the engine oil is too dirty and requires changing. During maintenance, I’ll remind the technician to check these points to avoid minor issues turning serious. After adjustments, I now drive more smoothly, avoiding sudden braking, and my fuel consumption has returned to normal—simple fixes can be quite effective.

[SanKate]

Decades of driving experience tell me that a sudden increase in fuel consumption is usually a minor issue. Low tire pressure is the main culprit—I checked and sure enough, one tire was flat. After refilling it, things returned to normal. Cold weather leads to longer warm-up times, naturally increasing fuel use. Or, if the car is heavily loaded, like a full minivan, the engine works harder and fuel consumption rises. Worn-out spark plugs causing delayed ignition also waste fuel—just replace them yourself with new ones. My advice: start by checking simple issues, keep a record, and don’t panic if fuel efficiency drops. Step-by-step troubleshooting can save you both fuel and potential hazards.