by Fuel efficiency is no longer just a “nice-to-have” feature, it’s a daily necessity. With rising fuel prices, increasing traffic congestion, and growing environmental concerns, getting better mileage from your car can significantly reduce your monthly expenses while also extending your vehicle’s lifespan.
This automobile guide explains how to increase your car’s mileage using practical, proven methods that work in real-world Indian driving conditions. Instead of generic advice, this guide focuses on why mileage drops, how your driving and maintenance habits affect fuel use, and what changes deliver long-term improvements.
Understanding Car Mileage
Car mileage refers to the distance your car travels using one unit of fuel (km/l for petrol, diesel, or CNG). Mileage depends on how efficiently your engine converts fuel into motion—any wasted energy reduces fuel efficiency.
Mileage is influenced by:
- Driving habits
- Vehicle condition
- Road and traffic conditions
- Load and aerodynamics
- Fuel quality
Improving mileage means reducing wasted energy at every stage.
Real-World vs. ARAI Mileage
It is important to remember that the mileage figures advertised by manufacturers (ARAI-certified) are achieved in strictly controlled laboratory settings. Real-world conditions—including traffic, road quality, and weather—usually result in figures that are 15–20% lower than the official stickers. By calculating your own “tank-to-tank” mileage, you can accurately track how these tips are working for you.
Quick Summary Checklist
- Maintain a steady speed between 50–80 km/h.
- Keep tyres inflated to the recommended PSI.
- Plan routes using GPS to avoid idling in heavy traffic.
- Use Eco-driving modes if your vehicle is equipped with them.
How to Calculate Your Car’s Actual Mileage
Knowing your real mileage helps track improvement.
Simple method:
- Fill the fuel tank to full and record the odometer reading
- Drive normally
- Refill the tank fully
- Divide distance travelled by fuel consumed
This gives a realistic baseline for improvement.
Key Factors That Reduce Car Mileage
Before improving mileage, understand what silently reduces it:
- Aggressive acceleration and braking
- Underinflated tyres
- Overusing air conditioning
- Carrying unnecessary weight
- Poor maintenance
- Driving in low or high RPM ranges
Once these are controlled, mileage improves naturally.
10 Proven Ways to Increase Your Car’s Mileage
1. Maintain Correct Tyre Pressure
Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more fuel.
Best practice:
- Check tyre pressure every 2 weeks
- Inflate tyres when cold
- Follow manufacturer-recommended PSI
Even slightly underinflated tyres can reduce mileage noticeably over time.
2. Drive Smoothly, Not Slowly
Fuel efficiency improves with predictable driving.
- Accelerate gently
- Anticipate traffic to avoid sudden braking
- Maintain steady speeds where possible
Smooth driving uses less fuel than aggressive or overly hesitant driving.
3. Shift Gears at the Right Time
Every engine has an efficient RPM range.
- Petrol cars: usually most efficient between 2000–2500 RPM
- Diesel cars: usually 1500–2000 RPM
Driving outside these ranges forces the engine to work harder than needed.
4. Use Air Conditioning Smartly
Air conditioning increases engine load.
- At low speeds: open windows if weather permits
- At high speeds: use AC instead of open windows (less drag)
- Avoid setting AC to the lowest temperature constantly
Balanced usage improves comfort without sacrificing mileage.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Weight
Extra weight means extra fuel consumption.
- Remove unused items from the boot
- Avoid carrying heavy tools or luggage daily
- Remove roof carriers when not needed
Less weight = less engine effort.
6. Follow Regular Maintenance Schedules
A well-maintained engine burns fuel efficiently.
Key checks include:
- Clean air filter
- Fresh engine oil
- Properly functioning spark plugs or injectors
- Free-moving brakes
Skipping maintenance gradually reduces mileage without obvious warning signs.
7. Plan Routes to Avoid Traffic
Idling and stop-start traffic waste fuel.
- Travel during off-peak hours when possible
- Use navigation apps to avoid congestion
- A longer but smoother route often saves fuel
Fuel efficiency improves when engines run consistently.
8. Avoid Excessive Idling
Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups.
- Turn off the engine during long stops
- Avoid unnecessary idling while parked
- Start driving gently instead of revving the engine
Idling burns fuel without moving the car.
9. Choose Good Quality Fuel
Low-quality fuel can:
- Cause incomplete combustion
- Reduce engine efficiency
- Increase long-term maintenance issues
Stick to trusted fuel stations and avoid mixing additives unless recommended.
10. Use Built-In Fuel-Saving Technology
Modern cars offer features designed to improve mileage:
- Eco driving modes
- Start-stop systems
- Real-time mileage indicators
Using these features consciously helps develop fuel-efficient habits.
Common Mileage Myths
Myth: Premium fuel always improves mileage
Reality: Only engines designed for it benefit
Myth: Driving very slowly saves fuel
Reality: Lugging the engine wastes fuel
Myth: Turning off AC always saves fuel
Reality: At highway speeds, open windows increase drag
Understanding these myths prevents counterproductive habits.
Long-Term Strategies for Consistently Better Mileage
- Stick to scheduled servicing
- Monitor mileage monthly
- Adjust driving habits gradually
- Keep tyres, brakes, and engine in optimal condition
Mileage improvement isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a routine.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to increase your car’s mileage doesn’t require expensive upgrades or extreme changes. Small improvements in driving style, regular maintenance, and smart fuel usage compound over time, saving money, reducing emissions, and keeping your car healthier for longer.
Fuel efficiency is not about driving less, it’s about driving smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does using the air conditioner always reduce my car’s mileage?
Yes, using the air conditioner increases the load on your engine, which leads to higher fuel consumption.
- A vehicle’s AC can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 25% in hot weather, particularly on short trips.
- However, at higher speeds (typically over 90 km/h), it is more fuel-efficient to use the AC than to open windows because open windows create significant aerodynamic drag.
Q: What is the most fuel-efficient speed for driving?
Driving at a steady, consistent speed is key to achieving optimal fuel efficiency.
- For most vehicles, maintaining a speed between 50 and 80 km/h while in higher gears is considered best for mileage.
- Sudden speed changes and frequent acceleration consume more fuel than maintaining a constant pace.
Q: Which gear and RPM range should I target for better economy?
Higher gears generally save fuel because they allow the engine to run at lower revolutions per minute (RPM), meaning the engine works less and requires less fuel.
- For petrol cars, the “sweet spot” for shifting is usually between 2000–2500 RPM.
- For diesel cars, the efficient range is typically lower, between 1500–2000 RPM.
Q: How does extra weight in the car impact fuel consumption?
Extra weight directly increases the load on the engine, forcing it to work harder and consume more fuel.
- According to the US EPA, every 45 kg of additional weight can decrease a car’s fuel efficiency by approximately 2%.
- Removing unnecessary items from your trunk or roof racks is a simple way to improve mileage.
Q: Why is my real-world mileage lower than the manufacturer’s advertised figure?
Advertised figures are typically ARAI-certified, meaning they were tested under controlled laboratory conditions that do not reflect real-world scenarios.
- Real-world driving is more chaotic and involves factors like traffic congestion, poor road conditions, heavy loads, and aggressive driving, all of which lower efficiency.
- For example, a car with an ARAI rating of 22.35 kmpl might only achieve 18-21 kmpl in actual city conditions.
