
Excessive engine carbon buildup is a significant reason, primarily due to the use of unsuitable fuel. Once the oxygen sensor is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the engine's fuel-air mixture, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. The oxygen sensor should be replaced immediately if damaged. The oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter must be replaced regularly. Failure to replace them for an extended period will result in incomplete fuel combustion and increased engine carbon buildup. You can add fuel cleaner additives, and it's best to drive on the highway for a while, as this helps increase exhaust flow and allows stronger airflow to remove larger carbon particles.

I also experienced high fuel consumption with my 2021 Buick Excelle. Daily city commuting with frequent traffic jams and prolonged engine idling caused the fuel consumption to spike to 9L/100km. It worsened in cold weather when using the heater, as the engine warmed up slowly, further increasing fuel usage. Once, I checked the tire pressure and found it was low; after inflating, fuel consumption dropped to around 7.5L. Additionally, a dirty air filter that hadn't been replaced restricted airflow, affecting combustion efficiency—this improved significantly after maintenance. Now, I avoid sudden acceleration and braking, start gently, and use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speeds. Regular maintenance checks on the fuel system and tire pressure, plus avoiding peak travel times, can help stabilize fuel consumption.

When I first started driving the 2021 Excelle as a young driver, the fuel consumption was relatively high at around 8.5L/100km, mainly because I drove too aggressively with frequent sudden accelerations that increased engine load. Later, I developed smoother driving habits by avoiding deep throttle inputs and maintaining a steady speed of around 60km/h in urban areas, which reduced fuel consumption to under 7L/100km. I also paid attention to cargo weight - carrying extra items increased consumption by about 0.5L, so I now remove unnecessary luggage. Shifting to neutral at red lights instead of keeping the brake pressed also helps save fuel. Using higher quality gasoline ensures more complete combustion. On highways and suburban roads, consumption drops to about 6L/100km, which is really economical.

I drive a 2021 Excelle for commuting and noticed high fuel consumption mainly due to frequent short trips—just a few kilometers per ride—where the engine doesn't warm up fully, leading to low fuel efficiency and consumption over 9L/100km. The car often carries family and kids, adding weight and increasing fuel use by about 1L. I maintain regular habits like washing the car and changing oil every 5,000 km. After cleaning the fuel injectors, consumption dropped to 7.5L/100km, a big improvement. Hot weather with strong AC use also raises consumption, but adjusting to lower fan speed plus external air circulation helps balance it. High fuel consumption can be gradually improved without worrying about part replacements.


