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Why has the fuel consumption in my car increased?
After six weeks of my VW Passat standing idle I took it for its MoT, which since then has shown a marked reduction in fuel consumption. My wife's monthly trip from Glos to Suffolk registered closer to 40mpg rather than the usual 50. Yesterday, we had an intermittent screeching noise from the front of the car, possibly not brakes, which cleared after about 15 minutes.
The car feels as normal, but our local garage is inundated and I'm concerned about my wife driving to Suffolk again next week. I would appreciate your thoughts.
The car feels as normal, but our local garage is inundated and I'm concerned about my wife driving to Suffolk again next week. I would appreciate your thoughts.
Asked on 7 March 2024 by Roger Lindley
Answered by
David Ross
Based on the increase in fuel consumption and the screeching noise that you experienced when the car was cold, it may be that while the car was stood idle an engine component or components have become partially seized, such as an auxiliary belt or tensioner. This would account for the noise, and also an increase in friction of the engine components could cause increased fuel consumption.
If the car is now driving normally then this is not necessarily a cause for urgent concern, but you may wish to get the car inspected for this issue. This is something that would not necessarily be picked up during an MoT unless there was a component that was not functioning. If you are concerned that you cannot get the car booked into your local garage in time, you may wish to find an alternative Volkswagen specialist - you can search for one using the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
If the car is now driving normally then this is not necessarily a cause for urgent concern, but you may wish to get the car inspected for this issue. This is something that would not necessarily be picked up during an MoT unless there was a component that was not functioning. If you are concerned that you cannot get the car booked into your local garage in time, you may wish to find an alternative Volkswagen specialist - you can search for one using the Honest John Good Garage Guide here: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
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