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Worried that your fuel tank is getting empty faster than it should, especially when you are stuck in city traffic? Don’t worry, you are not alone.
This is a major concern for most Indian drivers. The only solution is understanding car mileage, as it is important and affects the household budget. Additionally, with rising fuel costs and growing concerns about pollution, knowing how to improve a car's mileage is essential.
However, good mileage is not just about saving money at the pump, but also about driving smarter, keeping the vehicle in good shape, and being aware of sustainability. Whether you are stuck in city traffic or cruising down a highway, a small change in your driving and maintenance habits can make a very big difference.
Read on to discover practical, real-world tips to improve car mileage, whether you drive a petrol car or a diesel one.
Let’s help you get more kilometres from every litre - and make every drive a little more efficient.
How to Accurately Measure Your Car’s Mileage
Before you learn the best ways to increase car mileage, it is important to understand how the car is currently performing. And that begins with calculating its real-world mileage. Follow these steps:
Step 1:
Fill your fuel tank fully.
Step 2:
Reset your trip meter (Set meter to zero - Trip A or Trip B)
Step 3:
Drive around as you normally would.
Step 4:
Refill your fuel tank and note down the litres filled.
Step 5:
Check and note down the trip meter for the total distance driven.
Step 6:
Divide the kilometres driven by the litres filled. [Mileage = Distance (km) / Fuel Used (litres)]
This will give you your actual mileage, which might differ from ARAI Mileage. But why is it so?
It is because the ARAI(Automotive Research Association of India) mileage is calculated under ideal lab conditions - no traffic, no AC, perfect road. However, that is far from real life, thus resulting in a different real-world mileage which is calculated, in regard to city traffic, heat, and uneven roads. That’s why tracking your mileage is essential if you're serious about how to improve the mileage of your car.
Additionally, to get a clear picture, calculate your mileage in different driving scenarios.
Scenario 1:
City Driving - Frequent braking, idling at signals, and short trips.
Scenario 2:
Highway Driving - Steady speeds and fewer stops.
By knowing the difference, you will understand better where to focus, especially if you're trying to improve mileage in city driving.
Top Proven Tips to Improve Car Mileage
You don’t need to overhaul to get better mileage from your car. Just make some small changes, start with the following:
1. Maintain Tyre Pressure
One of the easiest car maintenance tips to improve mileage is checking your tyre pressure regularly. It might seem minor, but an underinflated tyre creates more rolling resistance, which results in your car’s engine working harder and burning more fuel to move. Hence, reducing the mileage.
Remember, for Indian roads, it's best to check your car manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on the driver-side door or in the manual) and stick to it.
2. Use AC Smartly
Efficient AC usage is a key fuel-saving tip for cars, especially during long summers. One driving habit to improve fuel efficiency is using your car’s air conditioning efficiently.
Do not turn on the AC as soon as you enter the car - roll down the windows to pre-cool the cabin. Keep the AC at moderate levels and switch to recirculation mode. This will avoid overloading the system.
Alternatively, you can use sun control films by Garware Hi-Tech Films to keep your car cool, as they will restrict sunlight from entering the car. This will save your fuel and improve mileage.
3. Shifts Gears Smoothly And Timely
Improving the mileage of a petrol car or a diesel car depends on how smoothly and timely you shift the gears. High RPM burns more fuel. Therefore, you should avoid riding the clutch or downshifting aggressively. These habits hurt your car’s mileage and will wear out your gearbox faster.
Important RPM guidelines:
For Petrol Cars: Around 2,000 - 2,500 RPM
For Diesel Cars: Around 1,500 - 2,000 RPM
4. Drive Smoothly And Avoid Sudden Acceleration
The best way to increase car mileage without spending a rupee is to drive calmly. Since your car uses the most fuel when you accelerate hard or brake suddenly. This movement puts force on the engine, resulting in it working harder and burning more fuel. The key to maintaining a steady speed:
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While driving through the city where traffic is unpredictable, try to anticipate the red lights and slow-moving vehicles.
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While driving on highways, use higher gears at steady speeds.
Whether you are trying to improve mileage in city driving or open road, smoother driving leads to less fuel burn, less wear on your engine, and overall a calmer experience.
5. Get Regular Service And Engine Tune-Ups
A car works like a human body - it performs better when it’s well taken care of. Skipping service intervals might save time, but it will cost you much more in fuel and repairs down the road.
To increase car fuel efficiency, make sure to:
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Change engine oil, as fresh oil reduces friction and helps the engine run smoother.
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Replace the air filter regularly, as a clogged filter will restrict the airflow, forcing the engine to overwork.
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Clean fuel injectors to ensure proper combustion, and dirty injectors affect fuel sprays and reduce mileage.
Timely servicing is not just good for engine health - one of the smart car maintenance tips improves mileage and extends your car’s lifespan. This applies to whether you are looking to improve the mileage of a diesel car or a petrol car.
6. Plan Routes To Avoid Traffic And Signals
Idle time is mileage’s worst enemy as it eats up the fuel without going anywhere. That’s why smart route planning is a game-changer if you’re wondering how to save fuel while driving.
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Use apps like Google Maps, Waze, or MapMyIndia to check real-time traffic and avoid congested routes.
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Try travelling during non-peak hours.
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Take fewer turns and signals, as it could cost less fuel overall.
This is helpful when you want to get better mileage for your car during daily commutes or quick errands.
7. Reduce Excess Vehicle Load
Carrying more than you need could be quietly draining your fuel tank. Just like a heavy backpack will tire you faster, an additional load will make your engine work harder. To improve the mileage of the car:
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Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or rear seats.
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Don’t carry tools, old luggage, or unused gear unless required.
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Ditch roof racks if not in use.
Reducing weight is one of the most underrated fuel-saving tips for cars and works well for urban stop-and-go driving.
8. Warm Up The Engine Smartly
Cold cars can affect mileage, especially in winter or early morning; that does not mean you have to idle the engine for minutes, long idling will also waste fuel.
Modern engines are designed to warm up quickly as you drive. So, what you can do is start driving gently after 30 - 60 seconds of idle time. This small change helps you increase car fuel efficiency while reducing unnecessary emissions.
9. Choose Quality Fuel And Reputable Pumps
Not all fuels are of great quality. Poor quality or adultered fuel can clog injectors, damage engine parts, and drastically reduce mileage. It is a common issue in some areas, so always refuel at trusted, high-traffic stations that maintain the quality of fuel.
In many cases, using premium fuel or additives helps you get better mileage from your car and avoid long-term engine issues.
10. Leverage Technology For Fuel Efficiency
Technology can be your best friend when learning how to improve the mileage of your car. Modern vehicles and smartphones offer a range of tools to help you drive smarter.
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Use mileage monitors on your dashboards that show real-time fuel usage.
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Use apps like Fuelio, Drivvo, or Google Maps Timeline to help you track fuel costs, calculate mileage, and optimise routes.
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Some apps also offer eco-driving suggestions to reduce fuel burn.
These tools make it easier to stay aware and form habits that will increase car fuel efficiency over time.
Bonus Tip: Use The Right Engine Oil Grade
Engine oil affects how smoothly your engine runs. Using oil that is too thick can create friction and force your engine to use more fuel. On the other hand, a thinner oil like 5W30 helps to reduce internal resistance and improve overall efficiency. However, it is always best to check your car’s annual to find the right oil grade.
Driving Habits That Help Improve Fuel Efficiency
Your car is not the only factor that influences its efficiency - the way you use it also does. Small changes in behaviour go a long way, such as:
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Avoid unnecessary braking, as sudden acceleration or halt burns more fuel.
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If your car features include cruise control, use cruise oil when driving on open highways, as it helps maintain speed and reduce fuel consumption.
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Avoid keeping the engine idle for more than 30 seconds, whether you are waiting at long signals or outside shops.
These mindful changes are among the simplest and effective driving habits to improve fuel efficiency.
Long-Term Mileage Boosting Strategies
If you are already following the basics and want to take it up a notch, here are some long-term upgrades that can help you get more out of your fuel tanks.
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Engine remapping(with caution): This involves reprogramming the car’s ECU(Engine Control Unit) to improve performance and mileage. Ensure that it is done by professionals,
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Upgrading to synthetic oils: High-quality oil reduces friction better than mineral oils. This results in smoother engine performance.
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Choosing mileage-friendly tyres: Some tyres are specially designed to reduce rolling resistance. So you can consider switching when your current tyres wear out.
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Consider hybrid or EV options for your next upgrade: If you are planning to replace your vehicle. Opt for a hybrid or electric car as they offer incredible mileage and long-term savings.
Maximise Mileage, Minimise Waste
Improving your car mileage is not just about saving money - it is about building smarter driving habits and making the most out of every litre of fuel. Starting from maintaining proper tyre pressure, using the air conditioner efficiently, to planning your routes. All these tips to improve car mileage go a long way in saving fuel and reducing environmental impact.
With fuel prices and demand rising in India, along with the road conditions, it is the best time to rethink how you drive and maintain your car. Adopt these car mileage tips and stretch your fuel - enjoy a smoother, more efficient ride every time you hit the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best ways to increase car mileage?
The best ways to increase car mileage are regular maintenance, correct tyre pressure, smooth driving, and reducing excess load in both city and highway conditions.
2. How can I improve the mileage of my petrol car?
Use the right gear, avoid harsh acceleration, service your engine regularly, and switch to synthetic oil if needed. These habits will help improve the mileage of your petrol car effectively.
3. How can I get better mileage from my diesel car?
Diesel cars benefit from early gear shifts, clean air filters, and low engine idling. These help you improve the mileage of a diesel car, especially on longer routes.
4. Does using the AC reduce car mileage?
Yes, the AC reduces car mileage, especially in stop-and-go traffic. It puts an extra load on the engine, which affects mileage. So, use it smartly and switch to ventilation when possible to save fuel while driving.
5. How does tyre pressure affect fuel efficiency?
If your tyres are underinflated, it will create more rolling resistance and force the engine to use more fuel. Therefore, keeping the correct pressure will help increase car fuel efficiency and extend your tyres' life.
6. What is the ideal speed for maximum mileage in India?
For most cars, maintaining a steady speed between 50 - 70 km/h on highways provides the best fuel economy. Also, avoid frequent speed changes for maximum mileage.
7. How often should I service my car to maintain good mileage?
Just follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual. You should change oil regularly and replace the air filter, as they are crucial car maintenance tips to improve mileage.
8. How can I improve mileage while driving in the city?
Avoid unnecessary braking, use the right gear, reduce idling, and plan your routes. These are effective tips to improve car mileage in urban traffic.
9. How do I calculate the real mileage of my car?
Fill your tank, reset the trip meter, drive normally, and refill again. Divide the distance travelled by litres consumed to find your car’s actual mileage.
10. How can I improve the mileage of an old car?
Switch to synthetic oil, keep the engine well-tuned, replace worn-out parts, and reduce load. These steps help you get better mileage from your car, even if it's ageing.
11. What are the common mistakes that decrease mileage?
Common mistakes most Indian drivers make that decrease mileage are:
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Over-revving engine
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Riding the clutch
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Overuse of AC
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Using underinflated tyres
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Delaying service intervals
12. What are the best tips to improve mileage in city driving?
The best tips to improve mileage in city driving are:
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Keeping the gears in sync with traffic flow
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Avoiding start-stop driving
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Occasionally, turning the AC on and off according to traffic
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Using stop-start engine technology (if available in your car)