Why is the car suddenly consuming more fuel?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may suddenly consume more fuel, such as incorrect fuel grade, poor fuel line flow, spark plug gaps being too large or too small, incorrect ignition timing, excessive clearance between engine cylinder liners and piston rings, excessive valve clearance, and other issues. Generally, driving in winter consumes more fuel than in summer, and driving in urban areas consumes more fuel than on highways. Here is a method to calculate a car's fuel consumption: Calculate fuel consumption based on the relationship between distance and speed. 1. Fill the car with fuel until the pump automatically stops (jump gun), and record the current mileage. 2. The next time you refuel, fill it until the pump automatically stops again, and record the amount of fuel added. 3. Calculate the distance traveled since the last refueling and use the relationship between distance and speed to determine the fuel consumption.
In my many years of repairing cars, I often encounter customers complaining about sudden increases in fuel consumption. Generally, we start by checking engine-related components. Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils causing misfires, clogged fuel injectors leading to excessive fuel injection, and overly dirty air filters restricting sufficient air intake—all these result in incomplete combustion, wasting fuel. Low tire pressure is also common, increasing friction between the tires and the road, forcing the engine to work harder. Sometimes, excessive carbon buildup in the engine reduces efficiency, or there’s a fuel leak in the lines. These mechanical issues not only cost money but also make the car sluggish and emit black smoke. It’s essential to visit a repair shop promptly for professional diagnosis; DIY attempts can easily backfire and compromise driving safety.
I drive myself to and from work, and last month my fuel consumption skyrocketed. At first, I thought the gas station was cheating me, but later I realized it was my driving habits causing the issue. On some days when I was in a hurry for meetings, I kept stepping on the gas to overtake and frequently slammed on the brakes, driving like a race car in congested urban areas, which put a heavy load on the engine and naturally guzzled more fuel. On hot days, I often idled with the AC on while waiting, wasting gasoline for nothing. I tried changing my habits—keeping my speed within the limit, braking earlier, and planning routes to avoid traffic jams—and my fuel consumption gradually decreased. I suggest you also reflect on your daily driving style and cultivate smooth driving habits. Don’t underestimate these details—they can save you a lot on fuel costs each month and be more environmentally friendly.
