How to Increase Your Car's Mileage: Practical Fuel-Saving Tips for India
Real, tested ways to get more kilometres per litre from your car on Indian roads, from driving habits to maintenance and tyre care.
Page 2 of 4
Maintenance that protects your mileage
A neglected car quietly loses efficiency. Keep these in check:
- Tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and drink fuel. Check pressure cold every month against the door-sticker figure.
- Air filter: A clogged filter starves the engine of air. Replace it at the recommended interval — sooner if you drive in heavy dust.
- Engine oil: Use the grade your manufacturer specifies. The wrong, thicker oil adds friction and reduces economy.
- Spark plugs and tuning: Worn plugs cause incomplete combustion. A timely service keeps the engine burning fuel cleanly.
- Wheel alignment: A car pulling to one side drags against the road. Get alignment checked after any hard pothole hit.
Reduce weight and drag
Cars are designed to slip through the air and carry a sensible load. You can help:
- Empty the boot. Carrying 50 kg of junk you never use costs fuel on every trip.
- Remove roof carriers when not in use — a roof box or empty rack adds significant drag at speed.
- Keep windows up at highway speed. Open windows create turbulence; here the AC is usually the more efficient option.
