9 Best Ways to Improve Your Car Mileage

Owning a car, whether new or used, is essential for those who frequently travel long distances. However, maintaining fuel efficiency is just as important as effectively managing expenses. With rising fuel costs, understanding how to increase car mileage has become a priority.

Improving fuel efficiency not only helps cut driving costs but also supports environmental conservation by reducing emissions. Let’s explore practical tips to achieve the best car mileage, in petrol or diesel, in India.

How to Increase the Mileage of a Car?

Here are some practical tips to increase your car’s mileage.

1. Maintain the Right Tyre Pressure

There is a direct link between tyre pressure and mileage. Low tyre pressure means the contact area between tyres and the road is beyond the usual limit. It increases the friction between the tyre and the road. Similarly, over-inflation in tyres reduces the grip. Therefore, keeping proper tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer is inevitable. Improper tyre pressure can reduce almost 10-15% fuel efficiency. Drive with the correct air pressure to increase your car’s mileage. 

2. Reduced Use of AC Means 30% More Mileage

Excessive use of the air conditioner (AC) can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 30%. For example, a full tank might cover 500 km with the AC on but can go 600–625 km without it. To improve mileage, limit AC usage, as it puts extra strain on the engine and reduces efficiency. Use the AC only when necessary to maximise fuel economy. 

Must Read: Best Used Cars Under 1 Lakh in India

3. Use Gears Correctly

Wondering how to increase your car’s mileage with proper gear usage? Correctly shifting gears improves fuel efficiency, whether in manual or automatic cars. Sudden acceleration reduces engine efficiency, so linear acceleration is key. For optimal mileage, maintain a speed of around 80 kmph in the fifth gear.

4. Plan Route Beforehand

Planning ahead is key to improving your car’s mileage. Traffic congestion can waste fuel, so plan routes with fewer signals and stoppages. Avoid rush hours, minimise brake and clutch usage, and consider taking slightly longer but less crowded routes for better fuel efficiency. Use navigation tools to choose smoother paths and maximise your car’s mileage. 

5. Switch-off Engine When Idle

Idling your car with the engine running wastes fuel without any movement, impacting fuel efficiency. If you’re stopped for over 45 seconds, such as at a traffic signal, it’s wise to turn off the engine to save fuel.

6. Good Maintenance – Regular Servicing

To improve your car’s mileage, it’s important to maintain the engine. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to consume more fuel to produce the same power. Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter can help reduce fuel consumption. 

7.  A half-full tank may increase mileage

Keeping your car’s fuel tank at least half full can improve its mileage. A tank that’s half full reduces the weight the engine has to carry, helping to enhance fuel efficiency. It’s also recommended to keep the tank above one-quarter full to avoid engine strain.

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8.  Roll up Car’s Windows

The wind blow coming into the car from open windows can hamper a car’s aerodynamics and cause more stress on the engine, especially at high speed. A speed over 50 kmph and fully open windows can cause low fuel efficiency. You can use the car’s air blower at the ‘fresh air setting’. 

9. Keep your Vehicle Light

Avoid carrying unnecessary items in your car to improve its fuel efficiency. Extra weight puts additional strain on the engine, reducing mileage. Keeping your car light and efficient can enhance its fuel economy, especially for daily commutes, just like top mileage cars.

Conclusion 

Improving car mileage is essential for reducing fuel costs and maintaining a greener environment. Simple practices like maintaining the right tyre pressure, reducing AC usage, planning routes, and keeping your car well-maintained can significantly enhance fuel efficiency. By following these tips, you can achieve mileage similar to that of the top mileage cars in India.

If you’re considering purchasing a pre-owned car, a Used Car Loan from Muthoot Capital can be a convenient way to manage finances. The loan comes with flexible repayment tenures and competitive interest rates.

FAQs

How to improve car mileage?

To improve car mileage, maintain regular engine health with oil changes, avoid excessive weight, use the right engine oil, and drive smoothly. Keep tyres properly inflated, check wheel alignment, and plan trips to minimise fuel consumption and reduce idling.

Does AC reduce mileage?

Yes, running the AC reduces car mileage as it uses fuel to power the system. It’s best to use it wisely to save fuel.

How can I increase my mileage by 10%?

The “10% Rule” suggests gradually improving mileage in small increments. For example, if you currently drive 100 km a week, aim to increase it by 10 km to achieve a 10% improvement.

How to Increase Mileage of Petrol Car?

To improve petrol car mileage, ensure proper tyre pressure, avoid aggressive driving, and stay on top of regular maintenance. Reduce weight, use cruise control, avoid idling, and plan trips to minimise stops for better fuel efficiency.

How to Increase Mileage of Diesel Car?

To boost diesel car mileage, maintain proper tyre pressure, avoid aggressive driving, and follow regular maintenance. Reduce weight, use cruise control, avoid idling, and plan trips to reduce stops, improving fuel efficiency.

How to Increase Mileage of a CNG Car?

To improve CNG car mileage, reduce weight, use cruise control, avoid idling, and plan trips. Ensure proper tyre pressure, avoid aggressive driving, and perform regular maintenance for better fuel efficiency.

How can mileage be increased?

Mileage can be improved by minimising aggressive driving, scheduling regular servicing, using the recommended engine oil, and avoiding prolonged idling.

What gives a car more mileage?

Achieving better mileage depends on proper engine tuning, reducing friction, and prasticing efficient driving techniques.