How to Improve Car Mileage – With rising fuel prices, improving your car’s mileage (fuel efficiency) can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of rupees every year. Whether you drive a hatchback, SUV, or sedan, small changes in driving habits and maintenance can significantly boost your kilometers per liter (kmpl).
In this guide, we’ll cover:
Driving habits that maximize mileage
Maintenance tips for better efficiency
Common myths about fuel economy
Quick fixes for instant improvement
How to Improve Car Mileage
1. Drive Smoothly – Avoid Sudden Acceleration & Braking
Why? Aggressive driving (rapid acceleration and hard braking) can reduce mileage by 15-30% on highways and 10-40% in city traffic.
How to Improve Car Mileage
Accelerate gradually – Press the throttle gently.
Maintain a steady speed – Use cruise control on highways.
Anticipate stops – Coast to a stop instead of slamming brakes.
Pro Tip: Driving at 60-80 km/h is optimal for fuel efficiency in most cars.
2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Why? Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing mileage by up to 3%.
How to improve:
Check tire pressure every 2 weeks (use manufacturer-recommended PSI).
Invest in low rolling resistance (LRR) tires for better efficiency.
Warning: Overinflated tires can reduce grip and wear out faster.
3. Reduce Excess Weight & Drag
Why? Every 50 kg of extra weight reduces fuel efficiency by 1-2%.
How to improve:
Remove unnecessary items from the trunk.
Avoid roof racks when not in use (they increase drag).
Keep windows closed at high speeds to reduce air resistance.
4. Use the Right Engine Oil
Why? Thicker oil increases engine friction, reducing efficiency.
How to improve:
Use manufacturer-recommended grade (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40).
Switch to synthetic oil for better lubrication and mileage.
5. Turn Off the Engine When Idling
Why? Idling for more than 30 seconds wastes fuel.
How to improve:
Turn off the engine in traffic jams or long waits.
Avoid “warming up” the engine for too long (modern cars don’t need it).
6. Regular Servicing & Air Filter Cleaning
Why? A clogged air filter can reduce mileage by up to 10%.
How to improve:
Replace air filters every 15,000–20,000 km.
Get timely engine tuning and spark plug checks.
7. Use Higher Gears & Avoid Over-Revving
Why? Lower gears consume more fuel at high RPMs.
How to improve:
Shift to higher gears early (for manual cars).
Keep RPMs between 1,500–2,500 for optimal efficiency.
8. Plan Your Trips & Avoid Short Drives
Why? Cold starts consume more fuel.
How to improve:
Combine errands into one trip.
Walk or cycle for very short distances.
9. Use AC Wisely
Why? AC reduces mileage by 5-15%.
How to improve:
Use ventilation mode at lower speeds.
Park in shade to reduce cabin heat.
10. Fuel Quality Matters
Why? Low-quality fuel burns inefficiently.
How to improve:
Fill up from reputed fuel stations.
Avoid adulterated fuel.
Bonus: Myths About Fuel Efficiency
Premium fuel always improves mileage (Only if recommended).
Diesel cars are always more efficient (Depends on usage).
Aftermarket additives boost mileage (Most are gimmicks).
Final Verdict: Small Changes, Big Savings!
By following these tips, you can improve your car’s mileage by 10-30%, saving money and reducing emissions.
Which tip helped you the most? Share your experience in the comments!
