How To Improve Car Mileage – In a country like India, where fuel prices are continuously on the rise and traffic conditions range from bumper-to-bumper congestion to smooth highways, maximizing your car’s fuel efficiency is essential. Whether you’re navigating through Bengaluru’s chaotic roads, weaving through the narrow lanes of Indore, or embarking on a long road trip from Mumbai to Goa, small changes in your driving habits can significantly improve your mileage and save you thousands of rupees annually.
This guide is designed specifically for Indian drivers offering practical and easy-to-implement strategies on how to improve car mileage. These tips will help you maximize your car’s mileage and get the most out of every drop of fuel.
How To Improve Car Mileage
How To Improve Car Mileage (Especially for Indian Drivers)
Understanding why fuel efficiency is so important sets the foundation for adopting better driving habits:
Skyrocketing Fuel Costs: With petrol prices often exceeding ₹100 per litre in many cities, even a small improvement in mileage can lead to significant savings over time.
Challenging Traffic Conditions: Constant stop-and-go traffic, potholes, and unpredictable drivers make Indian roads particularly difficult for maintaining good mileage.
Environmental Responsibility: Lower fuel consumption results in fewer carbon emissions. In cities where pollution is already a major concern, like Delhi and Kanpur, every bit helps.
Long-Term Car Health: Driving efficiently reduces wear and tear on your engine, brakes, and tyres, which helps extend your vehicle’s life.
1. Maintain Steady Speeds: Avoid Sudden Acceleration and Braking
On roads like those in Mumbai or Delhi, where traffic is often a mixture of crawling and occasional spurts of speed, sudden acceleration and braking can reduce fuel efficiency.
Tip: Use your accelerator smoothly and gently. When approaching a red light, slow down naturally instead of slamming on the brakes at the last second.
Fact: Studies show that aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by up to 30% on highways and 40% in city traffic.
2. Shift to Higher Gears Early and Correctly
Shifting gears at the right time is key to improving fuel consumption. Driving at high speeds in low gears is like running on a treadmill while carrying a heavy load.
Pro Tip for Indian Conditions:
- Shift to 2nd gear after 10-15 km/h.
- Move to 3rd gear around 20-25 km/h.
- Use 5th gear once you cross 50-60 km/h, especially on open roads and highways.
Bonus Insight: Many modern cars with automatic transmissions have an “Eco Mode,” which optimizes gear shifting for better fuel efficiency.
3. Minimize Idling Time: Don’t Keep the Engine Running Unnecessarily
At long traffic signals or railway crossings, it’s common for Indian drivers to leave their engines running, assuming it helps with battery life or AC cooling. However, idling for more than 30 seconds actually wastes more fuel than restarting the engine.
Actionable Advice: Turn off your engine during long waits. Modern vehicles can handle frequent starts without harming the battery.
Fun Fact: Idling for just 10 minutes a day can waste around 0.1 litres of fuel — leading to about 3 litres wasted per month.
4. Lighten the Load: Every Kilo Counts
Many drivers in India treat their car trunks as storage spaces for everything from cricket kits to gym bags. This extra weight can decrease fuel efficiency.
Rule of Thumb: Every additional 50 kg in your car can reduce mileage by around 2-3%.
Quick Tip: Declutter your car once a month. Remove everything that isn’t essential for your daily commute.
5. Keep Tyres Properly Inflated: Small Pressure, Big Impact
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. This leads to lower fuel efficiency.
Best Practice:
- Check tyre pressure at least once a month.
- Always check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold (before you start driving).
- Follow the recommended PSI level mentioned in your car’s manual or inside the driver’s door frame.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a highway trip, inflating your tyres to 2-3 PSI above the standard can improve fuel efficiency, but don’t overdo it.
6. Plan Your Routes: Smart Planning = Smart Saving
In today’s world of GPS apps, there’s no reason to guess your route. Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and MapMyIndia provide real-time traffic data, helping you avoid congested roads and traffic jams.
Example: If you’re driving from Gurgaon to Noida, avoiding peak hours on NH-48 can save you 15-20 minutes and reduce fuel consumption by 200-300 ml per trip.
7. Service Your Car Regularly
A poorly maintained car — with a clogged air filter, old spark plugs, or low-quality engine oil — consumes more fuel.
Key Maintenance Checks for Better Mileage:
- Change engine oil regularly (use high-quality synthetic oil if recommended).
- Replace dirty air filters.
- Clean or replace fuel injectors if necessary.
- Keep spark plugs in good condition.
Important: Don’t delay minor repairs. Small issues can escalate into bigger problems that affect both car performance and mileage.
8. Use Air Conditioning Smartly: Balance Comfort and Efficiency
While driving in India’s scorching heat, it may seem impossible to drive without AC, but excessive use of AC — especially in slow traffic — can reduce fuel efficiency by 10-20%.
Smart AC Tips:
- Use AC only at higher speeds (over 50 km/h).
- Set the AC to a moderate temperature, not freezing cold.
- Ventilate the car first by opening the windows before switching on the AC.
Rule of Thumb: Below 40 km/h, open the windows; above 50 km/h, keep windows up and use AC.
9. Drive During Cooler Parts of the Day (If Possible)
High temperatures increase fuel evaporation, and traffic is usually lighter in the early mornings or late evenings.
Bonus: Cooler temperatures result in less strain on the AC, improving mileage.
10. Choose the Right Fuel and Engine Oil
Indian fuel stations offer premium fuel options, such as XP95 or Turbojet diesel, claiming improved mileage or engine protection. However, using premium fuel is only beneficial if your car manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Practical Advice:
- Only use premium fuel if your car manufacturer specifically recommends it.
- Regular petrol or diesel works fine for most vehicles.
- Use the recommended engine oil grade for optimal engine performance.
Check Our Fuel Cost Calculator
Want to see how much you could save by improving your car’s mileage? Try our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate your potential savings based on your current fuel consumption, driving habits, and fuel prices. It’s a quick, easy tool to help you understand the financial benefits of adopting fuel-efficient practices!
Final Thoughts: How To Improve Car Mileage
Fuel efficiency isn’t just about how you drive — it’s about driving smart. With a few changes in your driving style, maintenance routine, and planning, you can easily save ₹5000-₹10,000 annually, depending on how much you drive.
You don’t need a hybrid or electric car to see real savings. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in your fuel expenses and extend your car’s life.
- Save money
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Extend your car’s lifespan
- Enjoy smoother drives
FAQs on How To Improve Car Mileage
Q: How often should I check my tyre pressure?
Ideally once a month, and always before a long highway trip.
Q: Can using cruise control help in Indian conditions?
Yes, but mostly on highways with consistent speeds. Avoid using it in cities.
Q: Are fuel additives helpful for mileage?
Usually not necessary unless recommended by your car manufacturer or during major servicing.
Q: Does premium petrol really improve mileage?
Only if your car’s engine is designed for it. For most economy cars in India, regular fuel works best.