Fuel consumption: commonly referred to as the amount of fuel consumed by a vehicle after traveling 100 kilometers.
The economic indicators of vehicles are mainly represented by fuel consumption, a critical performance factor in vehicle usage.
Fuel consumption parameters refer to the amount of fuel consumed by a vehicle per hundred kilometers (measured in liters). These indicators are derived from sample tests conducted by vehicle manufacturers according to national testing standards. They include steady-state fuel consumption and cycle fuel consumption.
The high fuel consumption of trucks, construction vehicles, and other large vehicles has always been a concern for most enterprises and company managers, leading to high transportation costs. However, some factors affecting the fuel consumption of large vehicles are controllable. So, what are these factors exactly?
1. Vehicle Weight:
Vehicle weight is one of the crucial factors influencing fuel consumption. Heavier vehicles require more fuel to propel them. Thus, heavier vehicles typically consume more fuel than lighter ones.2. Vehicle Design:
Vehicle design also impacts fuel consumption.(1) Oil pressure issues:
The better the sealing of diesel engine groups and the higher the pressure, the more fuel-efficient they tend to be. Low oil pump pressure or poor sealing can lead to incomplete diesel combustion, increasing fuel consumption.(2) Tire pressure issues:
Just as cyclists know that higher tire pressure makes riding more accessible and lower tire pressure makes it more difficult, we also understand that higher tire pressure in cars saves fuel while lower pressure increases fuel consumption.Low tire pressure increases the force exerted on the tire surface area, increasing driving resistance and fuel consumption. Conversely, excessively high tire pressure, especially in summer, causes rapid wear in the middle of the tire and poses a safety hazard.
(3) Tire selection:
Wide tires can bear heavier loads, and many drivers prefer to install wider tires for their vehicles. However, wider tires result in increased friction with the ground, more excellent resistance, and higher fuel consumption.3. Driving Habits:
Driving habits also significantly affect fuel consumption. Aggressive driving behaviors such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high-speed driving increase fuel consumption.(1) Idling:
Extended idling increases vehicle fuel consumption because the vehicle consumes energy as long as it is running, and prolonged idling also poses significant harm to the vehicle's engine.(2) Rapid acceleration and hard braking:
Studies have shown that rapid acceleration and hard braking during city and highway driving can increase fuel consumption by 5% to 30%.(3) Speeding:
Some drivers enjoy speeding, considering it thrilling. Although regulations stipulate a maximum speed of 120 km/h on highways, many drivers exceed this limit, increasing wind resistance and fuel consumption during high-speed driving.Moreover, speeding poses significant safety risks, especially for large vehicles, making accidents more likely. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a steady speed of 90 km/h, which benefits the engine and saves fuel.
4. Road Conditions:
Road conditions also affect fuel consumption. Congested city roads and long-distance highway driving both contribute to increased fuel consumption.5. Climate Conditions:
Climate conditions also impact fuel consumption. For instance, high and low temperatures make engine operation more challenging, leading to increased fuel consumption.Vehicle fuel consumption is associated with multiple factors, including vehicle weight, design, driving habits, road conditions, and climate conditions. To reduce fuel consumption drivers need to understand these factors and take appropriate measures to minimize fuel consumption.
