Reasons for increased fuel consumption

In a difficult economic situation, each driver is first of all closely watching the fuel gauge of the car. Can it reduce the frequency of visits to the gas station? It is up to everyone.

First, consider a factor that cannot be changed. These are the operating conditions of the machine. In winter, the engine needs to be warmed up, a loaded car requires increased speed. Therefore, each time on an identical mileage indicator there will be a different amount of spent fuel.

The main reasons for increased fuel consumption

In addition to operating conditions, there are factors associated with the technical condition of the machine. Here's what else affects the increase in gas mileage in a car:

• mechanical malfunctions;
• defects in additional equipment;
• malfunctions in electronics.

Mechanical causes of increased fuel consumption

The excessive consumption of fuel directly depends on the loads experienced by the motor. All moving parts of the vehicle must have a free play. And even insignificant resistance leads to an excessive consumption of fuel. Here are just some of the problems.

1. Unadjusted alignment. It must be carried out with the seasonal replacement of tires.
2. Highly tightened hub nuts. You can check this fault by running the machine on the coast. If it stops unusually quickly, then you should pay attention to the bearings of the hubs. Usually such a part will become very hot.
3. Faulty brake system. A clamped shoe not only wears out quickly. It will lead to rapid tire wear and additional load on the motor.

Defect of attachments and accessories

High fuel consumption in unchanged operating conditions is a clear sign of a malfunction. And most often - this is a breakdown of additional equipment. This is what you should pay attention to.

1. Air conditioner malfunction. With the climate control turned on, the flow rate increases from 0,5 to 2,5 liters per 100 kilometers. And if the installation compressor is faulty (the bearing is worn out), it will provide additional resistance to the motor shaft.
2. Generator malfunction. Since it is also connected to the movable element of the engine, the violation of the free running of the bearing leads to a large consumption of fuel.
3. Problems with the pump and timing belt. Usually when changing the timing belt, you need to check the health of the water pump. While the engine is running, the impeller of the pump will rotate. Therefore, a frequent breakdown of such a mechanism is the failure of the bearing. And if a motorist pours ordinary water into the cooling system, he halves the life of the part. In this case, according to the puddle formed under the car, the driver will immediately understand what is broken.

Malfunction of electronics and sensors

In the new generation machines, high consumption is the result of errors in the electronic control unit. Modern cars are equipped with a large number of sensors that regulate the supply of fuel and air. They measure the parameters of revolutions and loads. And in accordance with this, the ignition and gasoline supply system is adjusted.

When any sensor becomes unusable, the computer receives incorrect data. From this, the control unit incorrectly adjusts the operation of the power unit. As a result, increased fuel consumption.

The main sensors, the breakdown of which can significantly lead to excessive consumption of gasoline:

• DMRV - fuel mass flow sensor;
• crankshaft;
• camshaft;
• throttle body;
• detonation;
• coolant;
• air temperature.

Eliminate the causes and normalize fuel consumption

To reduce the consumption of gasoline, diesel fuel or gas, it is first necessary to find out the causes of the problem. If the car is equipped with an on-board computer, it is easy to find. A signal corresponding to a breakdown will be displayed. How to normalize fuel consumption? Here are 3 easy steps.

1. Scheduled Maintenance Replaced filters in time will not impede the movement of oil, fuel and air. The timing belt and its bearing, air conditioning, brake pads - all this requires periodic replacement or maintenance. Their serviceability directly affects the engine load.
2. Elementary diagnostics of the car chassis. Faulty bearings often heat up or squeak. Replacing them, the driver will provide not only a smooth ride to the car, but also reduce the load on the motor during the ride.
3. In the event of a malfunction of the electronics, computer diagnostics must be carried out. It will help identify software errors that caused the crash.

Each driver must remember that fuel overrun is only 40% dependent on vehicle malfunction. The remaining 60% is the habits of the owner of the car. Open windows at speeds above 50 km / h, overloading the car, sharp and high-speed driving style. These actions significantly increase fuel consumption. Radio, air conditioning, heated seats and windshield need to be used intermittently. And not at maximum power.

These are just some of the factors that affect fuel consumption. It is important to conduct timely diagnostics, get used to a calm driving style and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions. Then the car will delight its owner with a stable fuel consumption.

See also
interesting experiment on fuel economy:

Experiments # 2 "How to save fuel" CHTD

Questions and answers:

Why can fuel consumption increase? There are many reasons: clogged fuel / air filter, carbon deposits on the spark plugs, incorrect UOZ, engine malfunctions, errors in the ECU, malfunction of the lambda probe, etc.

What can affect fuel consumption? Low tire pressure, broken toe-out geometry, errors in the control unit, clogged catalyst, fuel system malfunctions, dirty injectors, driving style, etc.

Why is there a lot of fuel consumption on the new car? The ECU adapts to the quality of the gasoline. In the new engine, all the parts are still grinding in (therefore, the break-in must take place in a certain mode with a short oil change interval).