Due to high fuel prices, many are looking for ways to save money, and one of them is controlling car consumption.
Fuel consumption is affected by several factors and they vary from vehicle to vehicle, explains Marin Morava, technical advisor to the Croatian Automobile Club.
The question is whether the increased consumption is caused by driving style, a malfunction that is directly related to higher fuel consumption, poor or irregular maintenance, or the demanding conditions in which the vehicle is used. What malfunctions can lead to higher fuel consumption and what should be checked?
Due to faulty brake calipers or handbrake, which will not fully release the braking force or the brake calipers, the braking force may remain present on the wheel at the moment the vehicle is started, without the driver activating the brake. The consequences are increased fuel consumption and brake linings, writes HAK Revija.
Incorrect wheel alignment can increase fuel consumption and cause uneven tire wear, as well as reduced tire pressure.
Intake systems with turbochargers or naturally aspirated engines can have a number of faults. Some of the most common are damaged air lines on the high pressure side of the turbocharger, which leads to compressed air leaks or secondary air intake when the air lines on the low pressure side of the intake are damaged.
There are also dirty or faulty sensors in the intake system or improper operation of certain actuators in the intake system and a number of other possible problems.
Faulty exhaust system may increase fuel consumption due to poor exhaust gas permeability or exhaust gas leakage into the environment in a specific part of the exhaust system where this is not desired.
For example, this can happen in the engine's exhaust manifold, leading to the intake of secondary air from the environment, which can adversely affect the fuel-air mixture because sensors in the exhaust system have an impact on the mixture. Also, the installation of inadequate parts in the exhaust system can lead to increased fuel consumption.
Fuel injection system It can also be the cause of a number of problems, from those with improper fuel delivery to fuel preparation for injection. Worn and clogged injectors can adversely affect fuel consumption, as well as a number of other parts in the injection system.
Engine cooling system may have problems raising the engine's operating temperature, and the cause may be a faulty thermostat. An undercooled engine has higher fuel consumption. A faulty engine temperature sensor can also contribute to increased fuel consumption due to incorrect values for the ignition and injection systems.
Worn engine mechanics, low engine compression, worn camshaft tips, irregular valve clearance, various dirt deposits in the intake channels and valves and valve seats can affect fuel consumption.
Causes of increased fuel consumption
There are a number of factors that can also cause increased vehicle fuel consumption, and it would be a good idea to consult with a service center about other problems that may occur in our vehicle, reports N1.
Before a more serious analysis of the problems that have arisen, it is necessary to check whether all service operations have been performed regularly, because irregular maintenance can also affect fuel consumption, so it is advisable to change them on time:
- engine oil and oil filter
- engine air filter
- fuel filter
- spark plugs or faulty engine heaters in diesel engines
- automatic transmission oil
- there are other necessary operations that the manufacturer has foreseen for that make and model of vehicle.
Increased fuel consumption can also occur due to driving conditions:
- Stop-and-go driving, city driving, etc.
- Short trips of up to 5 km with a time delay of 3 to 8 hours until the next ignition (always a cold engine) can increase consumption by up to 50 percent of the stated data.
- Difficult gravel roads and uphills, poor infrastructure
- A colder environment in which the vehicle is located
- Additional weight, vehicle full of passengers and luggage, plus trailer
- Increased air resistance when moving the vehicle due to roof racks with boxes or bicycles - all these additions will increase fuel consumption.
An inadequate driving style can have the greatest impact on increased fuel consumption, and in newer vehicles, various assistance systems are helpful, signaling when it is ideal to change gear in relation to vehicle speed and engine speed.
Icons for shifting up or down usually appear on the instrument panel.
Also, in newer generations of vehicles, it is possible to use the Eco button, after which the engine accelerates more slowly and, depending on the equipment, can automatically turn off the engine with the Start/Stop function when the vehicle stops.
Of course, there is also eco-driving, where you can influence consumption through your driving style.
Manufacturer fuel consumption specifications for a vehicle are often difficult to achieve in practice according to the NEDC or slightly more realistic WLTP measurement cycle, and a good result is usually obtained if we deviate from them by 15 - 30 percent of the stated consumption.
Driving on the open road and going on a longer trip, and the fuel consumption you will achieve there, are the best indicators of whether everything is okay with the vehicle.
If the consumption is within the average you measured previously, everything is fine with the vehicle. If not, the likelihood of a problem that you need to investigate increases...
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