How to Increase Your Cars Mileage – With fuel prices fluctuating and environmental concerns rising, every car owner in India has one common question: “How can I get better mileage from my car?” Whether you drive a petrol, diesel, or even a CNG vehicle, the way you maintain and drive your car significantly impacts your fuel expenses. At Tech Auto Bharat, we believe in empowering drivers with the right knowledge. In this comprehensive guide, we will share 10 proven strategies to boost your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 20-25%.
Table of Contents
1. Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
One of the most overlooked factors in fuel efficiency is tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase the rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder and burn more fuel to move the car.
- Pro Tip: Check your tyre pressure at least once a week when the tyres are “cold” (driven less than 3 km). Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended PSI mentioned on the driver-side door pillar.
2. Smooth Acceleration and Braking
Are you a “heavy-footed” driver? Aggressive driving—sudden acceleration and hard braking—can lower your mileage by 30% on highways and 15% in the city.
- The Fix: Imagine there is an egg under your gas pedal. Press it gently. Gradual acceleration allows the engine to transition through gears efficiently.
3. Use the Correct Gear
Driving in a lower gear at high speeds increases the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), leading to massive fuel wastage. Conversely, “lugging” the engine in a high gear at very low speeds is also harmful.
- The Fix: Shift to the highest gear possible without straining the engine. Most modern cars have a “Gear Shift Indicator” on the dashboard—follow it religiously.
4. Turn Off the Engine at Traffic Lights
In 2026, most Indian cities have long traffic signals. Idling for more than 30 seconds consumes more fuel than restarting the engine.
- The Fix: If the signal is longer than 20 seconds, turn off the ignition. Modern cars are designed to handle frequent restarts without damaging the starter motor.
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5. Regular Servicing and Engine Health
A clogged air filter or old engine oil can make your engine “choke,” reducing efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs smoother and consumes less fuel.
- The Fix: Change your engine oil, oil filter, and air filter as per the service manual. Ensure your wheel alignment is correct; misaligned wheels drag the car, increasing consumption.
6. Optimize Air Conditioning Usage
In India’s heat, AC is a necessity. However, the AC compressor puts a heavy load on the engine.
- The Fix: On the highway, keep windows closed and use the AC, as open windows create “drag” (wind resistance). In the city at low speeds, you can save fuel by rolling down the windows and keeping the AC off.
7. Reduce Excess Weight
Every extra kilo in your car requires more energy to move. Many people carry unnecessary items in the boot (trunk) or heavy roof racks that aren’t in use.
- The Fix: Clean out your boot. Remove roof racks or carriers when they are not needed to improve the car’s aerodynamics.
8. Plan Your Trips
Short trips (less than 5 km) are the worst for mileage because the engine doesn’t reach its optimum operating temperature.
- The Fix: Combine multiple errands into one trip. A warm engine is much more efficient than a cold one. Use GPS to find the least congested routes.
9. Use Cruise Control on Highways
If your car has cruise control, use it on long, flat highway stretches. It helps maintain a constant speed, eliminating unnecessary throttle changes that waste fuel.
10. Choose High-Quality Fuel
Low-quality or adulterated fuel can cause “knocking” and reduce mileage.
- The Fix: Always fill fuel from trusted, high-volume petrol pumps. Occasionally using “Premium” fuel with additives can help clean the engine valves, though regular fuel is fine for most cars if it’s pure.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Savings
Improving your car’s mileage isn’t about one big change; it’s about a combination of good driving habits and timely maintenance. By following these 10 tips, you not only save money but also extend the life of your vehicle and reduce your carbon footprint.
Start implementing these tips today and watch your “Distance to Empty” numbers go up!