5 reasons your car might be consuming fuel unusually quickly
14th Jun, 2024
Fuel prices have, to put it lightly, been somewhat turbulent over the past few years – and though the worst of it has settled recently, they remain notably higher than they were a decade ago. That means it can be exceptionally frustrating to realise that your car may be consuming fuel more quickly than normal. Now, there’s no need to jump straight to scrapping your car – there are a couple of things that can end up being a factor. Here are some of the most common!
Engine maintenance and fuel efficiency
Proper engine maintenance is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Over time, components such as spark plugs, fuel injectors, and oxygen sensors can wear out or become dirty, which can affect the combustion process. A poorly tuned engine might burn more fuel than necessary, leading to increased consumption.
Regular servicing, including timely oil changes and tune-ups, can ensure your engine operates efficiently. For instance, changing the oil on schedule ensures proper lubrication and reduces friction within the engine, optimising fuel efficiency. Additionally, replacing old spark plugs and oxygen sensors as recommended by your manufacturer improves combustion efficiency and reduces fuel wastage.
Driving habits that increase fuel usage
Your driving style has a major impact on fuel consumption – something a lot of people underestimate. Aggressive driving behaviours such as rapid acceleration, speeding, and sudden braking can lower fuel efficiency by up to 33% on motorways and 5% in urban driving conditions, according to the UK Department for Transport.
Smooth acceleration and maintaining a steady speed can help you to conserve fuel and reduce trips to the pump. What’s more, avoiding unnecessary idling and utilising cruise control on motorways help maintain a consistent speed, which is more fuel-efficient than frequent changes in speed.
The condition of your air filter
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, affecting its performance and fuel efficiency. When the engine doesn’t receive enough air, it compensates by burning more fuel to maintain power output.
Checking and replacing your air filter regularly is a good way to ensure proper airflow and helps improve fuel economy. What’s more, modern engines (equipped with advanced air filtration systems) can not only enhance engine performance, but also optimise fuel combustion for better mileage.
Tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine must work harder to propel the vehicle. This extra effort can lead to higher fuel consumption over time.
Regularly checking and maintaining proper tyre pressure not only enhances safety and prolongs tyre life but also contributes to better fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tyres ensure optimal contact with the road surface, reducing resistance and improving fuel economy. Moreover, tyres lose air naturally over time, so regular monitoring and adjustment are both essential for maintaining efficiency.
Fuel quality
The quality of fuel you use can significantly affect your car’s fuel efficiency. Lower-grade fuels or those containing ethanol blends might provide less energy per litre, resulting in increased consumption to achieve the same mileage.
Using higher-quality fuels, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, can potentially improve fuel efficiency and overall performance. Premium fuels often contain detergents and additives that help clean the engine and improve combustion efficiency, leading to better fuel economy over time. And of course, choosing the right octane level according to your vehicle’s specifications prevents engine knock and ensures optimal performance.
Those are just a couple of our top tips! Of course, if that’s not helped fix the issue, then you may end up wondering whether your car is worth the extra time and money to keep on the roads. If you decide to make the tricky decision to let it go, that’s where we can help here at Scrap Car Network. Here at Scrap Car Network, we’ll always be here to provide you with the very best price on your old car! All you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode into the fields on our site, and we’ll get you an instant online quote before you can say cash for cars. It only takes a few seconds. Curious to find out how much your car is worth?
