Fuel costs are rising globally, and noticing your car guzzling petrol faster than before can be frustrating and expensive. If you’ve been asking “why is my car using more petrol?” or wondering what you can do to improve fuel efficiency in your car, you’re in the right place.
At Ashroad Service Centre, we’ve helped hundreds of drivers in Aldershot reduce fuel costs and enhance their vehicle efficiency through expert diagnostics and regular car servicing.
Real-World Fuel Consumption: Typical vs Actual
These figures show that real-world driving often leads to higher petrol use than advertised, which is why many car owners feel their vehicle is consuming more fuel than expected.
| Vehicle Model / Driving Condition | Advertised Fuel Consumption (L/100km) | Real-World Consumption (L/100km) | Difference (%) |
| Suzuki Swift (2023) | 4.8 | 6.3 | +31% |
| Mazda CX-5 (2023) | 6.9 | 7.9 | +15% |
| Skoda Kamiq (2023) | 7.2 | 8.2 | +14% |
| VW Tiguan (2023) | 7.7 | 6.7 | -13% |
| Kia Cerato (2023) | 7.4 | 6.7 | -10% |
Why Your Car Is Suddenly Consuming More Fuel
Many drivers don’t realize everyday factors can dramatically increase petrol consumption. Below are the most common reasons:
1. Lack of Regular Car Servicing
Skipping routine car servicing for better fuel efficiency is one of the biggest contributors to high fuel consumption. Issues like clogged air filters, old spark plugs, and worn-out fluids make your engine work harder and consume more petrol.
Solution: Regular maintenance at Ashroad Service Centre detects and resolves issues before they lead to excessive fuel use.
2. Engine Issues and Fuel System Faults
Your engine’s performance is key to fuel economy. Common mechanical causes include dirty fuel injectors, worn spark plugs, and faulty oxygen sensors, all of which reduce combustion efficiency.
Solution: Engine diagnostics and repairs during servicing improve petrol combustion and lower fuel usage.
3. Under-Inflated or Poor Condition Tyres
Tyres with low air pressure increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more petrol. Even a slight drop in tyre pressure can reduce mileage.
Solution: Check tyre pressure monthly and replace worn tyres with fuel-efficient options.
4. Aerodynamics and Extra Load
Roof racks, heavy items, and roof boxes increase air resistance and weight, leading to higher petrol consumption. Removing these when not needed can help save fuel.
5. Driving Habits
Driving style has a huge effect on fuel use. Aggressive acceleration and braking, idling for long periods, and driving at high speeds significantly increase fuel consumption.
Solution: Smooth driving and maintaining steady speeds can reduce fuel consumption substantially.
6. Excessive Use of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning increases engine load and fuel use, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
Tip: Use A/C judiciously and consider opening windows at lower speeds.
7. Incorrect Engine Oil or Fluid Levels
Using the wrong oil grade increases engine friction and fuel consumption, as does running on old or depleted fluids.
Solution: Professional servicing ensures correct oil and fluid levels to optimize engine efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency Solutions You Can Implement Today
Improving fuel efficiency isn’t only about mechanical fixes. Here are practical ways drivers can save fuel immediately:
- Adopt Eco-Driving Habits: Maintain uniform speed, use cruise control on highways, and anticipate traffic to avoid excessive braking.
- Regular Servicing and Maintenance: Routine check-ups at Ashroad Service Centre help spot inefficiencies early, from spark plugs to air filters to tyre alignment.
- Remove Unnecessary Weight: Take out heavy loads or accessories not needed for everyday driving.
- Tyre Management: Keep tyres inflated to recommended levels and replace worn tyres promptly. Proper alignment prevents additional fuel use.
- Strategic Air Conditioning Use: Use A/C sensibly, especially during city driving, to avoid extra load on your engine.
When to Book a Fuel Efficiency Car Service
You should consider booking a service if you notice any of the following signs:
- Sudden drop in mileage
- Dashboard fuel light won’t reset
- Strong petrol smell or rough engine sounds
- Check engine light illuminated
These symptoms can indicate deeper problems that professional diagnostic tools at Ashroad Service Centre can uncover.
Ashroad Service Centre: Fuel Efficiency Experts
At Ashroad Service Centre, our certified technicians provide:
- Full diagnostic checks
- Engine tune-ups
- Fuel system cleaning
- Tyre pressure checks and wheel alignment
- Oil changes and fluid top-ups
With our professional car service in Aldershot, customers enjoy smoother, more efficient driving and lower fuel bills.
FAQs
Q1: Why is my car suddenly using more petrol than usual?
A: This could be due to mechanical issues like dirty fuel injectors, worn spark plugs, under-inflated tyres, or driving habits that increase fuel demand. Regular servicing helps identify and fix these.
Q2: Can driving habits really affect fuel consumption that much?
A: Yes. Aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and idling all increase fuel use significantly. Smooth driving and keeping within moderate speeds can reduce fuel consumption.
Q3: How often should I service my car for optimal fuel efficiency?
A: It’s best to have a full service every 10,000–15,000 km or as recommended by your manufacturer. Frequent checks of air filters, oils, and tyres between services also help.
Q4: Will wheel alignment really make a difference?
A: Yes. Misaligned wheels create drag and uneven tyre wear, both of which make your engine work harder and use more petrol.
Q5: Does petrol quality affect fuel consumption?
A: Low-quality or contaminated petrol can lead to incomplete combustion and lower efficiency. Using good quality petrol and timely fuel filter changes help.
Final Thoughts
High fuel consumption can have many causes, but most are preventable with the right care and mindset. From ensuring proper maintenance to adjusting your driving style, there are plenty of ways to improve fuel efficiency in your car and save on costs at the pump.
If you’re experiencing high fuel consumption, don’t wait. Book a professional car service in Aldershot today with Ashroad Service Centre, and let our experts help you drive farther for less.
