Status: 18/09/2023, 16:17 p.m.
By: Simon Mones
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Fuel prices in Germany are expensive. It is correspondingly steep when the car consumes more than usual. Many triggers can be controlled by yourself.
For over a century, the internal combustion engine was the heart of a car. Since then, the units have become more and more efficient. Many manufacturers promise that the last generation of engines before the switch to electric cars will be the best ever. But what do you do if the engine consumes significantly more fuel than it should?
Fuel consumption depends on many factors
This is not only annoying, but can quickly go into the money with the current high fuel prices. In principle, fluctuations in consumption are normal. This depends on many factors: For example, whether the car is loaded or not, short or long distances and also the season have an influence.
If the car consumes more than normal, it will be more expensive at the pump. (Symbolic image) © Wolfgang Maria Weber/Imago
However, it can also be technical problems that lead to additional consumption. Especially if the differences occur under the same conditions. For example, if the car suddenly consumes significantly more fuel on the way to the office in the morning. In this case, it's time to look for errors.
Car consumes more fuel: check tire pressure
One candidate is tire pressure. If this deviates, this has a direct effect on the consumption of the car. If the wheels have too little air, an additional consumption of 30 percent is possible, as the Bild writes. It is therefore important to check the tire pressure regularly and, if in doubt, adjust it.
Modern vehicles also warn if there are deviations. Information on the correct pressure can be found, for example, in the fuel filler flap, on the B-pillar behind the driver's door and, of course, in the operating instructions.
High fuel consumption: change the air filter regularly
The air resistance of the car can also contribute to the additional consumption. Roof boxes and bicycle racks should therefore be dismantled as soon as possible after the holiday. But loose trim parts under the car or in the wheel arches can also affect the aerodynamics and drive up fuel consumption.
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And you should also check the air filter regularly. If this is dirty, the air passage is greatly reduced. "The fuel-air mixture cannot be optimally adjusted and increases fuel consumption by up to 30 percent," writes departo.de. The air filter is quickly replaced. In most cases, it is installed in a housing in the engine compartment.
Fuel consumption higher than usual: Check spark plugs and brakes
Speaking of the engine, there may also be a culprit here that drives up the fuel consumption of the car: the spark plug. These can become sooty, oily or get deposits. And also the material can break or melt. If these no longer function properly, misfires occur. Then gasoline can get into the catalytic converter and fuel consumption also increases. In addition, the car can then jerk.
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Last but not least, there is the brake. If this is stuck, this leads to constant friction. As a result, fuel consumption increases significantly. To check if the brake is the problem, let the car roll out from low speed. If this feels tough, the brake piston is probably stuck, as Bild writes. In the case of disc brakes, the adjacent brake pad may be visible. Otherwise, a turn of the wheel on the lifting platform helps to locate the locked brake. In any case, you should take the vehicle to a workshop.
