So I’ve been driving my old hatchback mostly on short trips for the last few months, and I just can’t seem to get the fuel consumption back down to where it used to be. I know city driving is less efficient, but it feels like it’s drinking more than it should, even with gentle acceleration. Has anyone else had this kind of experience after switching to a mostly urban commute?
I hear you, city driving can feel like the car drinks fuel nonstop and those short hops never give the engine a chance to settle.
Urban driving hurts efficiency because cold starts and frequent braking keep the engine working hard, plus accessories like AC or a heavy throttle response. If most trips are short the fuel gauge will stay higher until the engine warms.
Maybe you are just reading the numbers after a rough week rather than a real drop in fuel economy; short trips warp the math because you average over miles not time.
I am skeptical that the car suddenly shifted how it uses fuel just because you drive in town; quick checks like tire pressure or oil level are worth a look before chasing bigger issues.
Maybe the question should pivot from chasing a specific mpg to weighing fuel cost per mile against time and convenience in city life.
If you were explaining this to a friend you might describe the experience more than the math the feel of the engine at traffic lights the hum of the tires and the fuel strain.