Why is the fuel consumption of new cars so high?
3 Answers
The reasons for high fuel consumption in new cars are as follows: 1. The break-in period: During this phase, various parts of the car need to adjust and work together. Many mechanical components require mutual adaptation while driving. The friction between parts during the break-in period is relatively high, requiring more power, which in turn consumes more fuel. Therefore, fuel consumption is significantly higher during the break-in period and gradually decreases afterward. 2. Poor driving habits: Although fuel consumption is naturally high during the break-in period, incorrect driving techniques can further increase fuel usage. 3. External factors: Apart from the car's own component systems, certain external factors related to vehicle performance can also affect fuel consumption. For example, encountering traffic congestion during a trip leads to frequent starting and braking, which wastes fuel and results in higher fuel consumption.
My new car did have quite high fuel consumption in the first month of driving, which is actually very common. The piston rings, cylinder walls and other components inside a new engine don't initially fit together smoothly - it's like breaking in new shoes that need a running-in period. I've been careful to avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, especially keeping the RPM low during the first 1,000 kilometers, and maintaining a steady speed around 90 km/h on highways. I also check tire pressure regularly - the dealership mechanic said being underinflated by just 0.2 bar can increase fuel consumption by 2%. After the first maintenance service, I clearly noticed the fuel consumption dropping. Now it shows only 6.8L/100km on the dashboard, much better than the 9L/100km when I first got the car.
I really relate to the issue of high fuel consumption in new cars, and it largely comes down to driving habits. When I first got the car, I couldn’t resist testing its power—stomping on the accelerator often. Later, I noticed on the instant fuel consumption display that one hard press of the pedal equaled the fuel used for two minutes of steady driving. Also, short trips are especially fuel-inefficient. My drive to the supermarket is just three kilometers, and by the time the engine warms up, I’ve already arrived. Long-term low-temperature operation of the engine is particularly fuel-heavy. Now, I try to combine trips and keep a small notebook in the car to track fuel usage. Surprisingly, taking a slightly longer route—just two extra kilometers daily—using express lanes actually reduced my overall fuel consumption by 0.8 liters.
