Abnormal fuel consumption

SIMBA MWENGA

MEMBER
1999 HONDA ACCORD
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
171,000 MILES

Hi, I have had the car listed above, EX Coupe since May 2018.
I use it to go to work seven day straight days the two days break with minimal or no use.
I make an average of 20 miles, home work and home.
One way (9.8 miles) takes me about fifteen minutes with only three brief traffic light stops, same thing back home.

When I depress the accelerator, it does not feel smooth. Takes time to respond and often needs a little extra pressure to gain speed, especially when taking off after a stop.

My average daily speed is about 45 mph and I am a smooth driver.

I have recently changed air filter, spark plugs (OEM Honda) and use synthetic oil religiously on time before 3,000 miles (though I use high mileage lube, 5,000 miles).
I check my tire pressure weekly and do not have any extra load in the car except a small mechanical kit.

However, one fill up of about 16.5 gallons takes me about ten days only which I find extremely high and abnormal consumption.
I love this car and want to keep it.
What do you think is the reason for the high consumption and what should I do to fix it?

2 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,003 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Your description is textbook for short distance severe duty city driving. That alone will cause very poor fuel mileage because the engine never gets to operating temperatures for long enough to let the ECM to actually control the mixture, it thinks the engine is still warming up and adds extra fuel to keep it running. If possible take the car out on a longer higher speed trip. This will let the engine fully warm up and clear out the engine of carbon and other deposits. It should also let you see if there is a real problem or if it is just the very short drives that are hurting the mileage. My bet is the latter is the primary problem. It is one of the reasons why they rate vehicles with city/highway mileage.