Will Fuel Consumption Decrease After the First Maintenance?
2 Answers
Fuel consumption may not necessarily decrease after the first maintenance. Generally, there might be some changes in the car's fuel consumption post-first maintenance, and a reduction is possible. After the break-in period of a new car, the components inside the engine fully adapt to each other, which may lead to a decrease in fuel consumption. The first maintenance includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking the lights, inspecting the windshield wipers, inflating the tires, and tightening the chassis screws, among other tasks. The mileage for the first maintenance generally refers to the accumulated distance a new car has traveled before requiring its first service. This maintenance can slow down the car's deterioration process and extend its service life. The mileage specified by different manufacturers varies, typically ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers.
When I first got my new car, the fuel consumption was indeed quite high. Before the first maintenance, my car consistently consumed over 10 liters per 100 km. After driving 5,000 km, I went for the first maintenance and changed to full synthetic oil and the oil filter. The mechanic said that new car parts have burrs on the surface, and there's more metal debris in the oil, leading to higher friction and increased fuel consumption. After the first maintenance, I noticeably felt the throttle became lighter, and the computer showed the fuel consumption dropped to around 8 liters. However, this also depends on driving habits. I usually prefer smooth acceleration. If you frequently brake hard or accelerate aggressively, the effect won’t be as obvious. It’s recommended to observe for two weeks after the first maintenance, keep the tire pressure around 2.5 bar, and regularly clean out the trunk clutter, as these all help with fuel efficiency.
