Why is Car Consuming a Lot of Fuel?

Fuel is one of the most important components for motor vehicle owners. Because it is an important part, of course if the fuel is problematic then it will have a big impact on car drivers. One of the problems regarding fuel that is often complained about by car users is about fuel that runs out very quickly or is wasteful.

Why does fuel run out quickly?

Wasteful fuel is certainly a big problem. This not only disrupts the trip, but can also be a problem in the budget. Behind car consuming a lot of fuel, this problem can be an indicator of other problems. Wasteful fuel can be a sign of a technical problem or improper driving habits.

Causes of car consuming a lot of fuel

Here are some reasons why your car is using too much fuel.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

Tire pressure that is too low causes the tire to come into contact with the road surface more. As a result, friction increases so that the engine has to work harder to move the car. This condition can reduce fuel efficiency by 10-15%.

Solution: Check tire pressure regularly, ideally every two weeks or before going on a long trip. Adjust the pressure to the specifications listed in the vehicle manual or sticker on the car door.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter reduces air flow to the engine. The blockage causes inefficient combustion. An engine lacking air will require more fuel to produce the same power.

Solution: Clean or replace the air filter regularly, usually every 10,000–15,000 km, depending on the vehicle’s operating conditions.

Inefficient Driving Habits

Driving habits also affect the amount of fuel used. Habits such as sudden acceleration, high speed driving, and frequent braking can significantly increase fuel use.

Solution:

• Drive at a steady speed and within the road limits.
• Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking.
• Use cruise control when driving on toll roads to maintain a constant speed.

Poorly Maintained Engine

A car with poor engine maintenance can reduce performance. This is of course also related to fuel. Components such as worn spark plugs or dirty fuel injectors can reduce combustion efficiency.

Solution: Perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Replace spark plugs and service fuel injectors regularly to ensure optimal engine performance.

Excessive Use of AC

The air conditioning (AC) system takes some of the engine's power to work, especially when used at high temperatures. If the AC is always set at maximum level, fuel consumption will increase.

Solution: Use the AC wisely. When the weather is not too hot, turn off the AC or set it to a lower level. Make sure the AC system is maintained regularly so that it works more efficiently.

Excessive Load on the Car

A car that carries too much load requires more power to move, so that fuel consumption increases. Many car owners are not aware that unnecessary items in the trunk also affect fuel efficiency.

Solution: Reduce the vehicle load by only carrying necessary items. If not used, remove accessories such as roof racks that increase air resistance.

Road and Traffic Conditions

Congestion, hilly roads, or poor road surfaces can increase fuel consumption. When stuck in traffic, the engine will continue to work and consume fuel.

Solution:

• Avoid routes that are often congested by using a navigation application.
• If possible, choose a travel time outside of peak hours.
• When stopping for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine to save fuel.

Conclusion

Excessive fuel consumption in cars can be caused by various factors, ranging from technical problems to driving habits. By understanding the causes and taking the right steps, you can not only save on fuel costs but also maintain optimal vehicle performance.