If a vehicle shows symptoms of excessive fuel consumption and poor performance, what is the first area a technician should check?

When diagnosing excessive fuel consumption and poor performance in a vehicle, the first area a technician should check is the fuel injectors. Fuel injectors are vital components of the fuel delivery system that atomize fuel and deliver it into the engine's combustion chamber. If the fuel injectors are clogged or malfunctioning, they may either supply too much fuel or too little, leading to an improper air-fuel mixture. This inefficiency can cause increased fuel consumption and a noticeable decline in performance.

When the fuel injectors are functioning correctly, they ensure that the engine receives the right amount of fuel for optimal combustion. If issues are found here, addressing them can often lead to significant improvements in both fuel economy and overall engine performance. Other areas like the air intake system, fuel quality, or exhaust system may also contribute to performance issues but addressing the fuel injectors first is critical because they directly impact the fuel being delivered to the engine.