Increased fuel consumption does not always indicate a serious car malfunction. The cause may be driving style, worn spark plugs, faulty sensors, clogged injectors, or the use of air conditioning. This was explained by a car mechanic.
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According to him, the fuel consumption specified by manufacturers is calculated under certain conditions, so in real operating conditions it may be higher. First of all, fuel consumption increases with rapid acceleration, driving at high speed, and the engine running at high RPM.
What increases fuel consumption?
One of the most common reasons is worn spark plugs. If they do not ensure proper ignition of the fuel and air mixture, the engine runs less efficiently and consumes more fuel.
Another possible factor is a faulty lambda sensor, also called an oxygen sensor or oxygen probe. It analyzes the composition of exhaust gases and helps the engine management system properly dose the fuel. If the sensor fails, the mixture can become too rich.
Fuel consumption also increases due to clogged or faulty fuel injectors. They need to spray fuel evenly into the cylinders, but over time they can become clogged and disrupt engine operation.
Another reason is fuel pump failure. If it does not create the required pressure, the car may lose power, be harder to start, and consume more fuel. The exact pressure depends on the specific car model and is specified by the manufacturer.
The fifth reason is the operation of the air conditioner. According to the mechanic, it can increase fuel consumption by about 1–2 liters per 100 kilometers. The effect depends on the engine power and displacement.
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What can the driver check themselves?
Before going to the service station, you can inspect the spark plugs. If their electrodes are heavily worn or damaged, the plugs should be replaced.
Manufacturers usually recommend changing spark plugs approximately every 50–60 thousand kilometers, but the exact interval depends on the type of plugs and the specific car model.
The fuel pump pressure can be checked with a manometer, but the obtained reading must be compared with the technical requirements set by the manufacturer for the specific car.
If fuel consumption suddenly doubles or increases even more, the mechanic recommends performing a computer diagnostic. It can help identify sensor errors and other malfunctions.
The mechanic emphasizes that if all car systems are working properly, fuel consumption should be close to the manufacturer’s specified values. However, fuel quality, road conditions, car load, and driving style can also affect it.
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