Why is the Civic's fuel consumption getting higher and higher?
3 Answers
Here is a detailed explanation of why the Civic's fuel consumption is increasing: Tire issues: Insufficient tire pressure increases the friction between the tires and the ground, requiring the engine to exert more force to move the vehicle, which naturally leads to higher fuel consumption. If the tire pressure is fine, check the wear level of the tires. If the tires are severely worn, they must be replaced promptly. Check 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 they are 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. Spark plug issues: Spark plugs introduce the high-voltage electricity generated by the ignition coil into the engine cylinders, creating a spark between the electrodes to ignite the air-fuel mixture. The condition of the spark plugs affects the engine's performance. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, it can lead to poor ignition, multiple ignition attempts, reduced engine power, illuminated engine warning light, significantly increased fuel consumption, and noticeable power loss.
The increasing fuel consumption of the Civic is indeed annoying, and I often encounter this issue myself. It feels related to untimely maintenance. For example, a clogged air filter with too much dust affects air intake efficiency; insufficient tire pressure is like driving with a heavy load, increasing rolling resistance; excessive carbon deposits in the engine lead to incomplete combustion, naturally consuming more fuel; and spark plugs that have been used for years may not ignite timely, wasting gasoline. Additionally, my habit of aggressive acceleration and sudden braking worsens fuel consumption; stop-and-go traffic in the city consumes even more fuel; and using poor-quality gasoline can also contribute. Regularly checking these components, replacing the filter, maintaining proper tire pressure, and adjusting driving habits can alleviate much of the issue, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
There are various reasons for increased fuel consumption in the Civic, which are worth discussing in detail. From my experience, it could be due to a dirty air filter that needs cleaning or replacement, as it affects the engine's breathing; significant tire wear or low tire pressure increases resistance, leading to higher fuel usage; prolonged driving causes carbon buildup inside the engine, reducing combustion efficiency; aging spark plugs causing delayed ignition also contribute to higher fuel consumption; aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and frequent braking worsen fuel efficiency; using low-quality fuel can contaminate the system and degrade performance. Additionally, climate changes such as high temperatures increase AC usage, so environmental factors shouldn't be overlooked. Addressing these minor issues promptly, adopting smooth driving habits, and maintaining regular servicing at reputable shops with periodic fuel and electrical system checks can stabilize fuel consumption, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
