Why is the Civic's fuel consumption getting higher and higher?
3 Answers
Detailed explanations for the increasing fuel consumption of the Civic are as follows: 1. Tire issues. Insufficient tire pressure increases friction between the tires and the ground, requiring the engine to exert more force to propel the vehicle, which naturally leads to higher fuel consumption. If the tire pressure is normal, check the tire wear. Severely worn tires must be replaced promptly. 2. Inspect the condition of the 'three filters.' The oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter, collectively known as the 'three filters,' must be replaced regularly. If not replaced for a long time, they may become clogged, affecting normal operation and sending incorrect signals to the engine control unit, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion and increased fuel consumption. 3. Spark plug issues. Spark plugs channel high-voltage electricity from the ignition coil into the engine cylinders, generating sparks between the electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The condition of the spark plugs significantly impacts engine performance. If spark plugs are not replaced for an extended period, it can lead to poor ignition, multiple ignition attempts, reduced engine power, illuminated engine warning lights, noticeably increased fuel consumption, and significant power loss.
I've been driving a Civic for three years now, and recently noticed the fuel consumption is noticeably higher than when it was new. This might be related to my personal driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration and braking during city commutes, aggressive acceleration before traffic lights, and the engine frequently switching states, which consumes more fuel. Changes in road conditions are also a factor—I moved my workplace to the suburbs, where there are more slopes and highway sections with increased wind resistance. Insufficient tire pressure increases rolling resistance, and I only discovered last week that my tire pressure was low. After topping it up, the fuel consumption improved slightly. The car has driven 20,000 kilometers without replacing the air filter, which was clogged and reduced air intake efficiency, leading to incomplete combustion. Aging spark plugs might also cause delayed ignition, leaving fuel unburned. I recommend regularly checking these simple points—replacing the filter and engine oil can prevent further deterioration. I did the maintenance myself over the weekend, which wasn't expensive but had an immediate effect on fuel efficiency. Developing a habit of smooth driving and anticipating traffic to reduce the number of stops will help stabilize fuel consumption in the long run.
I've been pondering the fuel consumption issue for quite some time. The increased fuel consumption in the Civic is mostly due to technical glitches. If the oxygen sensor fails or is severely carbon-fouled, it may send incorrect data, causing the ECU to inject more fuel and lead to wastage. I've encountered situations where misaligned rear wheels or sticking brake systems increased resistance and consumed more fuel. Aging air conditioning compressors add to the suction burden. Carbon buildup inside the engine on valves or spark plugs affects the compression ratio, reducing combustion efficiency. The ECU software needs updating to match the current vehicle condition, otherwise, fuel management may be excessive. It's advisable to visit a professional shop to scan for fault codes, check sensor issues, and replace components like fuel pumps or cooling system parts to keep the engine cool and reduce consumption. Regularly use an OBD scanner for self-monitoring to detect problems early. Maintain a steady speed of 70 mph to optimize fuel efficiency and avoid frequent urban stop-and-go driving to keep the engine running smoothly.
