How to Improve Your Car’s Mileage

Fuel efficiency is a key concern for every car owner. With rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness, getting the most out of every litre of fuel is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Improving your car’s mileage doesn’t necessarily require expensive modifications—simple habits, maintenance, and smart driving can make a big difference. Here’s a guide on how to enhance your car’s fuel efficiency.

1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly—at least once a month—and maintain it at the level recommended in your car’s manual. Over-inflating tires isn’t safe either, so always aim for the manufacturer’s recommended range. Properly inflated tires improve mileage and ensure safer handling.

2. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Driving

Rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and high-speed driving drastically reduce fuel efficiency. Smooth driving habits, such as gradual acceleration and maintaining a steady speed, can significantly improve mileage. Using cruise control on highways helps maintain a constant speed and saves fuel over long distances.

3. Reduce Unnecessary Weight

Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from your car, especially heavy ones. Avoid roof racks or carriers when not needed, as they increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption. Every 50 kg of extra weight can slightly reduce mileage, so lighter is better.

4. Keep Your Engine Well-Maintained

Regular engine maintenance is crucial for optimal fuel efficiency. Change engine oil at recommended intervals, replace air filters, and ensure spark plugs are in good condition. A well-tuned engine burns fuel more efficiently and delivers better performance. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to increased fuel consumption and expensive repairs in the long run.

5. Use the Recommended Fuel Grade

Using a higher-octane fuel than your car requires doesn’t improve performance or mileage; it only increases costs. Always stick to the fuel grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. On the other hand, using lower-quality fuel can harm engine efficiency and reduce mileage.

6. Avoid Idling for Long Periods

Idling consumes fuel without moving the car. Turning off the engine when waiting for extended periods—like at railway crossings or long signals—saves fuel. Modern engines are designed to handle frequent restarts without extra wear, so switching off the engine briefly is safe and economical.

7. Limit Use of Air Conditioning

Air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, which can reduce mileage by up to 10–15%, especially in city traffic. Use AC judiciously, and prefer ventilation at lower speeds. On highways, using AC at moderate levels while keeping windows closed can improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption compared to driving with windows open.

8. Plan Your Trips

Frequent short trips or unnecessary detours increase fuel consumption. Planning routes efficiently, combining errands, and avoiding peak traffic hours can reduce the total distance driven, saving fuel and time. Apps that provide real-time traffic updates can help you choose the most fuel-efficient route.

9. Check and Maintain Aerodynamics

Car modifications such as spoilers, roof racks, or open windows at high speeds can create drag, increasing fuel consumption. Keeping the car aerodynamic by removing external attachments when not needed helps maintain better mileage.

10. Monitor Driving Habits with Technology

Many modern cars come with onboard fuel efficiency displays, showing real-time consumption. Monitoring these readings helps you understand how driving habits affect mileage. Additionally, smartphone apps can track fuel consumption patterns and provide tips for improvement.

Conclusion

Improving your car’s mileage is a combination of proper maintenance, smart driving habits, and efficient use of resources. By keeping your tires properly inflated, driving smoothly, reducing unnecessary weight, maintaining the engine, and planning trips efficiently, you can save fuel, cut costs, and reduce your environmental footprint. Small changes in everyday driving can lead to significant improvements in fuel efficiency over time, making every journey more economical and sustainable.