Reasons for Increased Fuel Consumption in Cars

Fuel Efficiency in a Car

Fuel efficiency is undoubtedly a thing that a car must possess. A car with low mileage can indicate multiple things that can be wrong. There are a few issues for which you need trained mechanics to analyze your car. Here are some of the reasons why your car could be consuming more fuel.

Reasons for Increased Fuel Consumption

Faulty Engine/Engine Concerns

A damaged engine cannot function properly and in turn, can increase fuel consumption. The second scenario is that the engine may be fine but the crucial parts that contribute to the combustion cycle could be faulty. For example, a faulty spark plug or O2 sensor in a petrol engine and a dirty fuel injector in a diesel engine can cause more consumption of fuel resulting in low fuel mileage.

Wrong/Incorrect Engine Oil

One of the reasons for your car consuming more fuel could be the engine oil. This is a vital element that your engine needs to function properly.

Poor Quality of Fuel

You should always be mindful of what goes into your engine. A poor-quality fuel can severely affect your engine’s efficiency and life also. There are several additives available at fuel stations that make your car run better with the same fuel. Again, be mindful while choosing any additive for your car. A duplicate or incorrect additive can cost you more than what the fuel would have done!

Using the Air Conditioning

Using the air conditioner for too long is one of the reasons why your car could be consuming more fuel. The car AC extracts power from your car’s engine. This results in the engine undergoing more pressure because of which it has to do more work and ultimately consume fuel. Keeping the windows down would be a wiser choice for increased fuel efficiency.

Worn Out Tyres

Tyres make the vehicle move. Worn-out tyres lose the grip and increase friction on the road. This results in increased fuel consumption. On the other hand, if the tyres are inflated below the recommended pressure, the car will consume more fuel.

Poor Maintenance

Poor maintenance also results in the consumption of fuel. If you fail to service your car regularly, you will surely burn more fuel as your engine will not run smoothly. The air elements will be clogged and therefore, more fuel will be required by the car to run for the same kilometer range.

Additional factors that affect fuel efficiency

• Driving in the Wrong Gear
• Erratic Driving Styles
• Unnecessary Idling
• Worn out Clutch
• Overloading

In a Nutshell

Fuel efficiency is the backbone of any car owner’s decision-making while purchasing one. There are several factors that when kept in mind can result in lesser fuel consumption. As a responsible and wise driver, you must understand and learn the several factors that can result in fuel consumption.