Will Fuel Consumption Decrease After the First Maintenance?
3 Answers
Fuel consumption will decrease after the first maintenance. After replacing the engine oil during the first maintenance, many impurities and metal debris are removed, improving lubrication, which certainly contributes to reducing fuel consumption. For most vehicles, fuel consumption tends to decrease after the first maintenance, which also marks the end of the break-in period. During the break-in period, various components of the vehicle have not yet reached their optimal working state, naturally resulting in higher energy consumption compared to a fully broken-in vehicle. This is reflected in fuel consumption, as some fuel is wasted on the operation of components that are not yet properly broken in. Fuel consumption is somewhat related to the break-in period, but the relationship with the mechanical break-in itself is not very significant; it has more to do with the driver's habits. Mechanically, during the break-in period, the moving parts do not fit together perfectly, resulting in relatively higher friction, less smooth movement, and greater resistance, all of which contribute to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, drivers are not yet familiar with the new vehicle, which may lead to less standardized operations, such as unfamiliarity with the throttle, often pressing it too hard, or poor throttle control during acceleration. Similarly, unfamiliarity with the brake pedal may result in excessive braking, all of which can increase fuel consumption. While the basic driving techniques are the same, the throttle and brake tuning of different vehicles can vary significantly. Some vehicles have highly responsive throttles, accelerating quickly with a light press, while others may require deeper throttle input for gradual acceleration. Some brakes are very sensitive to light pressure, while others may not respond until pressed harder. Therefore, any driver needs time to adapt to a new vehicle. After the break-in period, when the mechanical components have properly settled and the driver has become familiar with the vehicle, a decrease in fuel consumption is normal.
From my years of experience in automotive maintenance, fuel consumption may indeed slightly decrease after the first service. During the break-in period of a new car, engine components need to wear in, resulting in higher friction resistance. After the first service, with fresh oil and filters replaced, lubrication improves, the engine runs more smoothly, efficiency increases, and fuel consumption may drop by about 0.1-0.2L/100km. However, this change is minimal and often imperceptible to many. Fuel consumption mainly depends on driving habits—for instance, rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel, while maintaining a steady speed of 60-80km/h is more economical. Additionally, external factors like road conditions and tire pressure also have a significant impact. I recommend that car owners record actual fuel consumption data after the first service without setting overly high expectations. Long-term regular maintenance, such as changing the oil every 5,000km and checking the air filter, is key to maintaining low fuel consumption.
As a new car owner who recently purchased a vehicle, I noticed a slight drop in fuel consumption after the first maintenance, saving about 0.1L per kilometer. The car feels smoother to drive now, with more responsive acceleration, likely due to the engine becoming more efficient after the break-in period. However, this might just be a psychological effect, or perhaps I've been driving more steadily; my friend's car showed minimal fuel consumption changes after its first maintenance. Daily driving habits have a greater impact: frequent stop-and-go in the city consumes more fuel, while cruising on the highway saves fuel. I suggest new owners like me not to obsess over the effects of the first maintenance but to focus more on daily driving habits. Regular maintenance, ensuring the air filter isn't clogged, can indirectly help control fuel consumption. Overall, fuel consumption varies from person to person, and whether it truly decreases or not depends on recorded data.
