How to Improve Car Mileage

Impact of driving habits

Driving style plays a significant role in mileage. Aggressive behaviours like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and frequent gear shifts can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

• Avoid unnecessary revving of the engine.

• Maintain a calm and consistent driving pattern.

• Accelerate smoothly and brake gradually.

Such small but conscious shifts in driving behaviour can positively affect how to get the best mileage in a car over time.

 

Importance of regular vehicle maintenance

Neglecting maintenance is one of the quickest ways to lower mileage. Here is what to look for:

• Air filters: Dirty filters limit engine performance.

• Tyres: Underinflated tyres use more fuel and produce drag.

• Engine oil: Only use manufacturer-recommended grades and change it on a regular basis.

• Wheel alignment: When your wheels are misaligned, your engine has to work harder.

Frequent maintenance also guarantees the early identification of problems that could lower mileage. Regular maintenance has a direct impact on enhanced fuel economy. 

 

Use air conditioning smartly

Yes, air conditioning is a must for comfort during Indian summers, but it comes at a price.

• Only use air conditioning when necessary.

• Don't run the air conditioner at full blast for extended periods.

• Park in the shade to keep the car naturally cooler.

When driving at lower speeds, opening windows may be more efficient. However, at higher speeds, this can increase drag, bringing us to the next point.

 

Fuel-efficient driving techniques

If you're wondering how to increase car mileage on highways and city roads, adopt these techniques:

• Avoid unnecessary idling.

• When stopping for an extended period, turn off the engine.

• To avoid cold starts, combine errands into a single trip.

• Avoid transporting excessive luggage.

The idea is to minimise the amount of work that your engine has to perform.

 

Maintain a consistent speed

Fuel consumption increases with rapid speed changes. Whenever traffic permits, try to drive steadily instead.

• Utilise lower gears to maintain momentum on slopes.

• Avoid needless overtaking since this could lead to sudden acceleration and braking.

• Avoid using the brake too much by employing engine braking instead.

Maintaining a steady driving rhythm is one of the most effective ways to increase car mileage.

 

Shift gears at the right time

Incorrect gear usage is one of the main reasons for poor mileage:

• Upshift early without straining the engine.

• Avoid driving at high RPMs for long periods.

• Don’t delay shifting to a higher gear when the engine permits.

Proper gear timing ensures the engine works optimally, reducing strain and fuel use.

 

Optimal speed and cruise control

Driving at the optimal speed—between 50 to 70 km/h for most Indian cars—helps maximise mileage.

• Use cruise control on highways (if available) to maintain a steady speed.

• Avoid exceeding 80 km/h unless necessary, as fuel consumption increases disproportionately.

 

Roll up the car’s windows

It might seem trivial, but open windows at higher speeds create aerodynamic drag:

• Keep windows rolled up at highway speeds to improve airflow.

• Use the car’s ventilation system instead of lowering all windows.

Less air resistance means the engine uses less power, thus helping to get the best mileage in your car.

 

Conclusion

Increasing mileage is the result of several little tweaks rather than a single significant change. Every aspect matters, from adjusting your driving style to using your air conditioner wisely and getting regular maintenance.

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FAQs

1. Does premium petrol improve mileage?

Premium fuel might only improve performance in engines with high compression. It has no significant effect on mileage for the majority of cars.

 

2. What tyre pressure is ideal for fuel efficiency?

Always adhere to the PSI values suggested by the manufacturer. Over-inflation reduces grip, whereas under-inflation increases drag.

 

3. How much fuel can I save by maintaining speed?

Depending on the kind of vehicle and traffic, maintaining a consistent speed can increase mileage by up to 20%.

 

4. Can mileage drop due to poor wheel alignment?

Yes. Misalignment makes the engine work harder by increasing rolling resistance.

 

5. Is it better to idle or restart the car?

It is more economical to turn off and restart the engine if you anticipate waiting more than 60 seconds.