How to Diagnose and Address Increased Fuel Consumption in Your VW

Still can’t figure out why your VW is consuming more fuel than it used to? If you have observed that your Volkswagen is consuming more fuel than before, then it may not be a mere coincidence. Higher fuel consumption is a sign that one of your vehicle’s components is not doing its job correctly, but how do you identify what is wrong—and where can you go to fix it before it costs you even more?

Some Causes Of High Fuel Consumption

• Driving Habits: The way you drive your VW can impact the fuel consumption and some examples of aggressive driving include accelerating hard, braking suddenly, and driving at high speeds. Gentle driving is always recommended.
• Excessive Idling: Spending a long time idling can be very unproductive and is a waste of fuel. If you see a drastic fuel drop when you leave the engine on while parked or waiting for something, then it is wise to turn off the engine. Current engines do not consume much fuel while starting and will start at once so it is not necessary to keep the car running.

How to Diagnose High Fuel Consumption

• Monitor Your Fuel Usage: Monitor how frequently you are refueling, and how many miles your car is able to travel using a single gallon of fuel. Any sudden change that results in low fuel efficiency might be an indication of something wrong.
• Check Air Filter: You should check on whether the air filter is dirty or not. If it appears to be plugged or grimy, then it is high time you change it. This is a simple solution that has the potential to make a huge difference in the fuel consumption of your VW.
• Inspect Tire Pressure: Get a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure of your tires. Do a comparison of the readings obtained with the recommended levels which are usually provided in the vehicle’s manual or at the driver’s side door jamb.
• Listen for Engine Misfires: When your engine is misfiring or running roughly, it may be due to bad spark plugs or oxygen sensors. These problems may cause high fuel consumption so it is necessary to solve them as soon as possible.

How to Handle the Problem of Higher Fuel Consumption

• Replace Air Filter: When the air filter is dirty, then replacing it can help improve fuel economy. The purchase of air filters is usually cheap and the filters can easily be replaced making this a cheap way of restoring your vehicle functionality.
• Proper Tire Pressure: Ensure the tires of your vehicle are properly inflated to cut on resistance and reduce fuel consumption. Some of the things that you can do to save money in the long run include checking and inflating the tires regularly.
• Replace Spark Plugs: If your spark plugs are bad, replacing them may return your engine to normal and increase fuel mileage. This may need one to seek the services of a professional mechanic.
• Reduce Idling Time: Do not spend long hours with the car engine running as this uses a lot of fuel. Switch off the engine if you are likely to be idle or waiting for some time in a traffic jam. This little practice can go a long way in your total fuel usage.

There are many reasons why your Volkswagen may be consuming more fuel than before, but the good news is that most of them can be solved or avoided if proper maintenance is done. Always ensure you take your VW to a reliable workshop for routine checks so you can save cost on fuel and prevent other problems that could become expensive repairs when ignored.

Where Can You Maintain Your VW And Prevent High Fuel Consumption?

At Germany’s Best Inc., we not only help our clients service their Volkswagen when it is not running efficiently, but we also carry out routine preventive maintenance to avoid problems in the first place. Our seasoned technicians are always ready to help you whether your VW has a problem as simple as changing an air filter or as complicated as oxygen sensor problems.

If you are having issues such as high fuel consumption or any other issues concerning your car, then bring your VW to us at Germany’s Best Inc. for the best service. We are located in Oakland, CA, and have been serving drivers in the area including Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont, CA for over 25 years. Book your next Volkswagen service now!