Five reasons for the increase in engine fuel consumption

It is a common phenomenon that engine fuel consumption increases year by year during vehicle use. Apart from driving habits, the increase in fuel consumption is mostly due to aging engine components, improper maintenance, and abnormal operating conditions. Mastering the five core reasons for increased fuel consumption can enable precise maintenance and restoration of the vehicle's original fuel economy.

1、 Serious accumulation of carbon deposits

Carbon buildup is the primary cause of increased fuel consumption. Long term short distance driving and low-speed idling will result in a large amount of carbon deposits in the throttle valve, intake duct, fuel injector, and combustion chamber. Carbon deposition will occupy the combustion chamber space, affect the intake efficiency, cause an imbalance in the mixture ratio, insufficient combustion, weaken engine power, passively increase fuel injection, and directly lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption per 100 kilometers.

2、 Spark plug and ignition system aging

Spark plugs are vulnerable parts, and long-term use can cause issues such as electrode wear, carbon buildup, and increased gaps. A decrease in ignition energy can cause misfire and combustion lag, and the engine will automatically inject more fuel to maintain power. Aging and leakage of high-voltage coils can also lead to insufficient ignition efficiency, decreased power, and sustained high fuel consumption, which are easily overlooked fuel consumption hazards.

3、 The air filter is clogged and the intake is insufficient

If the air filter is not replaced for a long time, the accumulation of dust and debris can cause air intake obstruction, insufficient engine intake, and excessive mixture. Insufficient combustion of fuel not only increases fuel consumption, but also exacerbates carbon deposition, forming a vicious cycle. Deviation in data from the intake pressure sensor and oxygen sensor can also cause confusion in the computer's fuel injection logic, leading to abnormal fuel consumption.

4、 Improper engine oil and mechanical wear.

High viscosity of engine oil and expired or deteriorated engine oil can increase internal operating resistance of the engine and increase daily fuel consumption. At the same time, the engine piston rings and cylinder walls are slightly worn, causing a decrease in sealing, insufficient cylinder pressure, and power attenuation. The vehicle can only rely on increasing fuel injection to make up for the power gap.

5、 Abnormal tire pressure and load conditions

The low tire pressure and aging deformation of the vehicle's tires significantly increase the driving resistance. Long term full load and heavy load driving, or poor brake return or drag braking, can increase engine load and cause abnormal fuel consumption.

In summary, the increase in engine fuel consumption is mostly caused by inadequate maintenance. Regularly cleaning carbon deposits, replacing vulnerable parts, and maintaining good working conditions of the vehicle can effectively reduce fuel consumption and restore engine power performance.