5 reasons why a car uses more fuel

Why does the car start to consume more fuel from time to time and who is to blame for ruining the tank? Did we lie at the gas station while refueling, or is it time to go to the service station?

These questions are asked by many drivers who report that their vehicles are spending more than usual. Even in countries with cheap fuel, people are reluctant to pay more than they need to, especially since their driving habits, as well as the routes they take daily, do not change.

Autovaux.co.uk reached out to experts to explain what is most often the cause of the increased fuel consumption seen in both gasoline and diesel vehicles. They named 5 reasons related to the technical condition of the car that affect its "appetite" for fuel.

Soft tires

The most common cause of increased fuel consumption. Usually their contribution is about 1 l / 100 km in addition, which is important, especially if the car travels long distances.

It should also be noted that a softer tire wears out faster and therefore requires replacement, which also confuses the car owner's pocket. At the same time, rubber is harder than necessary and also wears out faster and does not save fuel. Therefore, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

By the way, when using winter tires, the car spends more. They are usually heavier and softer, which increases friction.

Brake discs

The second most important, but the first most dangerous cause of increased fuel consumption is oxidized brake discs. With such a problem, the car spends 2-3 liters more than usual, and is also dangerous for those who ride in it, as well as for other road users.

The solution in this case is very simple - dismantling, cleaning the brake discs and replacing the pads if necessary. In places around the world with a more severe climate, i.e. a lot of snow, such an operation should be carried out at least once a year, using a special moisture-resistant lubricant.

Forgotten filter

The reluctance of timely service and the ability of many drivers to "taste and color" determine the condition of the oil in their cars usually leads to complex and costly repairs. However, this does not stop many of them, and they still have not met the terms of service, justifying themselves with a lack of time or money. In this case, the car "kills" itself, while increasing fuel consumption.

Compressed engine oil has a negative effect on consumption, but even worse than a missed air filter change. The creation of an air deficit leads to a lean mixture in the cylinders, which the engine compensates with fuel. In general, the end of the economy. Therefore, it is best to check the filter regularly and replace it if necessary. Cleaning is not the best option.

Spark plug

Another important consumable item that requires regular replacement is spark plugs. Any attempt to experiment with them like “they run out but they still work a little more” or “they are cheap but work” also leads to an increase in fuel consumption. Self-selection is also not a good idea, as the manufacturer indicated which candles should be used.

As a rule, spark plugs are changed every 30 km, and their parameters are strictly described in the technical documentation for the car. And if the engineer tasked with designing the engine decided that they should be like that, then the driver's decision to put in a different type is hardly justified. The fact is that some of them - iridium, for example, are not cheap, but quality is very important.

Air release

The most difficult to diagnose, but also a common cause of increased fuel consumption. The more air, the more gasoline is needed, the engine control unit evaluates and gives the appropriate command to the fuel pump. In some cases, the consumption can jump by more than 10 l / 100 km. An example of this is the 4,7-liter Jeep Grand Cherokee engine, which reached 30 l / 100 km because of this problem.

Look for leaks not only in the hose downstream of the sensor, but also in the pipes and seals. If you have an idea of ​​the design of the engine, you can use liquid WD-40, as long as it is on hand or something similar. Spray on problem areas and there are leaks where you see bubbles.