What Causes High Fuel Consumption in Your Volvo XC90?

Fuel economy and fuel consumption are two different terms describe two separate things. By definition, the fuel economy of a car is the distance it travels (in terms of miles) per a given amount of fuel (in terms of gallons). In simple words, miles per gallon or MPG. On the other hand, fuel consumption is exactly the opposite of fuel economy. It can be defined as the quantity of fuel a car consumes to travel a certain distance.

An internal combustion engine or heat engine works on the principle of ideal gas law. It burns the mixture of hydrocarbon-based fuel and air to generate the mechanical energy required to keep a vehicle in motion. Having said that, numerous factors determine the rate at which it consumes fuel to generate the mechanical torque. Aerodynamic drag, altitude, extreme environmental temperature, resisting force while driving on an inclined road, and carrying a heavy load can make the engine work harder and consume more fuel than usual.

In addition to the above-said reasons, there are numerous other explanations for the high fuel consumption by a car. Let's find out some of the most common reasons behind high fuel consumption in your Volvo XC90.

Causes of high fuel consumption in Volvo XC90

Postponing an oil change

Oil is the lifeblood of your Volvo XC90 engine. Its purpose is to reduce friction among adjacent engine parts, keep the engine temperature stable, maintain a clean interior, inhibit corrosion, and protect the engine gear from premature wear and tear. It minimizes frictional drag among internal components and assists in optimal engine performance. However, it doesn't last forever. Usually, if you are using conventional oil in your Volvo XC 90, then it might last up to 5,000 miles. If it's synthetic ones, it may easily last for about 10,000 miles but not more.

Engine oil has to be replaced on time and if you postpone an oil change in your car, it would make the engine run rough and consume more fuel than usual. It is also important to note that, use of incorrect oil can also make the engine consume more fuel. So, read the suggestions given in the user’s manual and select the engine oil appropriate for your Volvo XC90.

Defective sensors

The engine management computer or ECU or ECM in short uses the data provided by numerous sensors to regulate the engine operation. The oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor, knock sensor, and various other sensors measure different aspects of the engine operation and provide the data to the ECU so that it can use that information to optimize engine operation in your car. However, defective sensors provide inaccurate data to the ECU which hinders its ability to take the right decision. It ultimately affects the engine operation and makes the engine consume more fuel than normal.

If left unaddressed, faulty sensors can cause an array of engine-related problems in your Volvo XC90. So, warning signs like the illumination of check engine light on the instrument panel of your Volvo or similar other symptoms which indicate that one or more sensors are failing in your car should not be taken lightly.

Tires and suspension

They support your car's overall weight and make sure that the mechanical torque generated by the engine is reaching the road surface. Driving your Volvo XC90 with misaligned wheels and improperly inflated tires puts more pressure on the engine. As a result of which, the engine has to work harder than usual and thus consumes more fuel.

So, make sure that your Volvo XC90 tires are perfectly aligned and properly inflated. It is also noteworthy that loss of grip between the tire and road surface due to low tread depth and faulty suspension system can result in high fuel consumption in your Volvo XC90.

Air conditioner

If your Volvo XC90 air conditioning system is running all the time, it will put a lot of strain on the engine which would ultimately affect the fuel economy. The AC compressor relies on the engine power to stay operational. If it keeps running all day, it's neither great for the engine's health nor good for the fuel economy. So, it's not a wise financial decision to keep your Volvo XC90 AC running for a prolonged period.

Bad driving habits

Your driving habit is of particular interest to the rate of fuel consumption in your Volvo XC90. Driving too fast all the time, driving with a heavy load, and keeping the windows open are some of the most prominent reasons for high fuel consumption in a car. Besides, driving aggressively puts your safety in jeopardy and can result in a fatal road accident that might cost you your precious life. So, it is not a great idea to maintain an erratic driving habit.

Irregular maintenance, unnecessary idling, and the use of low-quality fuel are also detrimental to the rate of fuel consumption in your Volvo XC90. So, make sure that you are using fuel recommended in the owner's manual. It is not necessary for better gas mileage but also prolongs the engine lifespan.

Closing thoughts

If your Volvo XC90 is consuming more fuel than usual, something might be wrong with its engine that needs to be immediately taken care of. Or, it could be due to your erratic driving habits. Whatever the reasons may be, if you are noticing a significant rise in fuel consumption, the time has come to schedule an appointment with a reliable car service center in your locality.