Nguyễn Tùng Anh (28 years old), a technician working at Tung Anh car garage (Long Bien, Hanoi), points out some common reasons and solutions when cars have abnormal fuel consumption.
According to Tung Anh, when encountering the situation of abnormal fuel consumption, you should check the following 6 parts:
Tire
Worn-out tires or tires with lower than standard pressure (flat tire) are one of the reasons why cars “consume” more fuel after a period of use. Worn-out tires or tires with low pressure increase the frictional area between the wheels and the road surface, causing the engine to consume more fuel due to greater resistance.
Solution: When detecting abnormal fuel consumption, drivers should check the condition of the tires to ensure that the tire pressure is pumped according to the manufacturer’s specified parameters, which are usually posted on the driver’s side door. If the tires are worn out, they should be rotated or replaced to ensure safety.
Spark plugs
Spark plugs have the secondary function of igniting to burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Over time, the quality of the spark plugs decreases due to carbon deposits or worn electrodes, causing delayed ignition and low combustion efficiency. This makes more fuel injected, leading to waste.
Solution: If carbon deposits or worn electrodes are detected on the spark plugs, they need to be cleaned and tightly reinstalled.

Exhaust system
During usage, the exhaust pipe of the car can be dented due to collisions, leading to blockage or obstruction, resulting in increased exhaust gas pressure and increased fuel consumption.
Solution: Check the exhaust pipe system. If the exhaust pipe is found to be blocked or obstructed, the car should be taken to maintenance facilities for inspection, correction, or replacement. You should also check the fuel injection system because if the fuel injector is dirty, it will cause the injected fuel into the combustion chamber to be insufficient and may cause fuel wastage.

Coolant
Insufficient coolant or poor quality coolant also contributes to higher than normal fuel consumption. Each car model has a coolant temperature sensor. When the coolant is insufficient or the sensor is faulty, it will report a lower result than the actual temperature. The amount of fuel injected into the engine will be greater than normal, causing the car to consume more fuel.
Solution: Depending on each car model, users should regularly check and replace the coolant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The coolant reservoir is usually located in the engine compartment under the hood. When visually checking, the coolant level in the overflow tank must be between the “Full” and “Low” marks, or some cars may have “Min” and “Max” marks. If the coolant level is below the “Low” mark, it needs to be topped up.

Air filter
The air filter’s task is to filter air and prevent dust before it enters the combustion chamber. Over time, if the air filter is too dirty, the amount of air entering the combustion chamber will be reduced, forcing the engine to inject more fuel to ensure power generation, causing the car to consume more fuel.
Solution: Regularly clean the engine air filter system after the vehicle has traveled 5,000 km and replace the air filter after 20,000 km. For older cars that are often used in dusty environments, clean the air filter after 3,000 – 4,000 km and replace it after 15,000 km.

Engine oil
If the engine oil is not replaced after a period of time, its lubrication ability will be less effective. Increased friction between larger components will cause the engine to heat up quickly, leading to higher fuel consumption than normal, and over time, it may reduce the engine’s lifespan. In addition, replacing the engine oil with non-standard or improper viscosity can also affect the engine’s operation.
Solution: Replace the engine oil according to the recommended schedule. If you don’t know the regular oil change schedule, drivers should check the condition of the oil through the engine oil dipstick. In addition, refer to the instruction manual or consult technical experts from the car manufacturer to choose the appropriate type of engine oil for the vehicle’s engine.

According to VTC News

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Causes and Solutions for Abnormal Fuel Consumption in Cars

There are various reasons that contribute to the issue of cars consuming more fuel, such as tire pressure, fuel filters, engine oil…but all of these can be resolved.

Frequently asked questions

There are several reasons why a car may experience abnormal fuel consumption. These include improper engine maintenance, such as dirty air filters or spark plugs, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Other factors include driving habits, such as aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving, as well as external conditions like heavy traffic or frequent short trips.

To improve fuel efficiency, it is important to maintain your car’s engine properly. This includes regularly changing the oil, replacing air filters and spark plugs as needed, and ensuring the tires are properly inflated. Driving habits can also make a big difference – try to accelerate gradually, maintain a steady speed, and avoid excessive idling. Additionally, consider using high-quality fuel and keeping your car’s load light by removing unnecessary items from the trunk.

Abnormal fuel consumption may manifest in a few ways. Firstly, you may notice a significant decrease in your car’s fuel economy, resulting in more frequent fill-ups. Unusual smells, such as a strong gasoline odor, or visible signs of smoke from the exhaust may also indicate an issue. Additionally, keep an eye on your car’s performance – if it feels sluggish or lacks power, it could be a sign of abnormal fuel consumption.

Absolutely. External driving conditions play a significant role in fuel consumption. Heavy traffic, for instance, can lead to frequent stops and starts, reducing fuel efficiency. Similarly, driving in extreme weather conditions, such as snow or strong winds, can increase fuel usage. Even the road surface can have an impact, with rough or mountainous terrain requiring more fuel to navigate.

It is recommended to regularly monitor your car’s fuel consumption to identify any potential issues early on. A good practice is to calculate your car’s fuel economy every time you fill up the tank. You can do this by dividing the number of miles driven by the amount of fuel used. This will help you track any changes in fuel efficiency and take necessary actions if needed.

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