Best Car Mileage Tips for Petrol, Diesel & CNG Cars
Key highlights:
- Turning off the AC doesn't make a significant difference if you drive with your windows open.
- Contrary to popular belief, extended idling consumes more fuel than high-speed driving.
- Regardless of the type of powertrain, gradual throttle inputs always promise the best driving range.
General Driving Habits to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Before diving into specific fuel types, here are some universal driving habits that apply to nearly every kind of vehicle:
Drive Smoothly
Avoid sudden bursts of acceleration, quick gear shifts and abrupt braking. Driving smoothly and steadily helps keep the vehicle’s momentum and lowers the stress on the engine.
Maintain a Steady Speed
Using cruise control on long highway drives helps maintain a steady speed. This prevents the extra fuel usage that comes from frequent speeding up and slowing down.
Use Higher Gears
Driving in the highest gear that does not strain the engine helps keep the RPMs low and boosts fuel efficiency. Most cars deliver the best performance in the range of 1,500RPM - 2,500RPM.
Avoid Excessive Idling
If your vehicle is stationary for more than a minute, it is more fuel-efficient to switch off the engine. Idling for long periods uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
Minimise Air Conditioning Use
Although air conditioning can be important, using it continuously can lower mileage. At slower speeds, it is more efficient to use the fan or open the windows if the environment allows.
Keep Windows Closed on Highways
At higher speeds, keeping the windows open increases aerodynamic drag. This makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. It is better to rely on the car’s AC or just the blower.
Reduce Weight and Drag
Carrying extra weight, such as unused roof racks or heavy items, can reduce mileage. A heavier vehicle needs more fuel to move.
Plan Routes Carefully
Planning ahead by combining several tasks into one trip and choosing less crowded roads with fewer stoplights can lead to noticeable fuel savings.
Tips for Petrol Engine Cars
Petrol engines are commonly found in small and mid-sized cars and are appreciated for their smooth performance and refined operation. To improve fuel efficiency in vehicles with petrol engines, consider the following:
Check Tyre Pressure regularly
Tyres that are not properly inflated create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder than necessary. Always keep the tyre pressure at the level specified by the manufacturer.
Use the Right Grade of Engine Oil
Using the engine oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer helps reduce friction within the engine and can lead to better fuel efficiency, or at least, a minimal drop in mileage.
Avoid Over-revving
Petrol engines offer good responsiveness, but excessive revving leads to unnecessary fuel consumption. Change gears early and smoothly, ideally when the engine reaches around the optimal torque band (as mentioned in the vehicle specifications).
Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters
When the air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it restricts airflow to the engine. This negatively affects combustion and fuel consumption. Make sure to clean or replace air filters according to the recommended service schedule.
Use Quality Fuel
Low-quality petrol can decrease the efficiency of combustion. It is best to refuel at reliable fuel stations and occasionally use fuel additives to help keep the fuel system in good condition.
Tips for Diesel Engine Cars
Diesel engines are commonly chosen for larger vehicles because they offer strong torque and better fuel economy on highways. Stringent regulations may lead to their demise in the near future. Regardless, here are some tips to improve a diesel car’s mileage:
Warm Up the Engine Gently
Allow the diesel engine to warm up slowly, particularly during colder weather. Driving aggressively before it reaches the right temperature can lower fuel efficiency.
Avoid Short Trips
It takes more time for diesel engines to reach their ideal operating temperature. If you frequently take short trips, the engine may not warm up thoroughly, leading to poor combustion and reduced efficiency.
Shift Gears Early
Diesel engines deliver most of their torque at lower engine speeds. Shifting gears early and maintaining low RPMs can enhance fuel economy while reducing engine strain.
Use Block Heaters in Cold Weather
In extremely cold regions, such as in Jammu & Kashmir, using a ‘block heater’ can help the engine reach its operating temperature more quickly. This cuts down on fuel consumption during cold starts.
Monitor Fuel Injectors
Over time, diesel injectors may get clogged. This disrupts the spray pattern and combustion quality. Regular cleaning or servicing helps maintain performance and fuel efficiency.
Tips for CNG Engine Cars
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is both cleaner and cheaper compared to petrol or diesel. Initially popularised by fleet operators, CNG cars are lately gaining acceptance among private owners. However, vehicles that run on CNG require particular attention to ensure they remain efficient. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Start/Stop in Petrol mode
It is generally recommended to start and switch off most dual-fuel CNG vehicles in petrol mode. This helps maintain the petrol injectors in good working order and allows for smoother engine starts.
Avoid Overloading
CNG engines usually produce less power compared to petrol or diesel engines. Carrying excessive loads in such vehicles puts additional stress on the engine and can lead to higher fuel consumption.
Maintain Spark Plugs and Valves
Since CNG burns at a higher temperature than petrol, it may cause faster wear of spark plugs and engine valves. It is advisable to use spark plugs that are compatible with CNG and to check the condition of the valves at regular intervals.
Use CNG from Reliable Sources
Poor quality CNG often contains impurities that can clog injectors and harm the fuel system. To prevent this, always refuel at authorised stations that are properly maintained.
Timely Cylinder Checks
It is important to get the CNG cylinder checked periodically as required by government norms. A damaged or faulty cylinder can disrupt fuel supply and pose a safety hazard.
Regular Maintenance is Essential
Neglecting regular servicing or postponing maintenance can significantly lower fuel efficiency. It is important to follow the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer. The general procedure includes:
- Engine oil changes & oil filter replacement
- Transmission fluid checks
- Coolant flushes
- Fuel filter replacements
- Battery checks
An engine in poor condition burns more fuel, runs substantially hotter and can eventually fail if neglected.
Use of Technology to Your Advantage
Modern cars come with various features that can help you monitor and improve fuel economy. Here are some examples:
Use the Onboard Mileage Indicators
Most modern vehicles show both real-time and average fuel efficiency figures. Monitoring this information can help you understand how your driving habits impact mileage.
Navigation and Traffic Apps
Using navigation apps such as Google Maps can help you steer clear of traffic jams and choose routes that use less fuel.
Eco Mode
Several newer vehicles come with an ‘Eco’ mode. This feature reduces throttle sensitivity and changes gear timing (in automatics) to support better fuel economy.
Tips to Improve Electric Vehicle (EV) Range
Electric vehicles operate differently, but several strategies still apply to increase their driving range on a single charge. Let us see some of them:
Drive Conservatively
Just like in ICE vehicles, driving smoothly and avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking can help extend the battery's life.
Regenerative Braking
Make the most of regenerative braking if your vehicle supports it, as this can slightly recharge the battery while slowing down.
Limit Use of Air Conditioning and Heating
Using climate control in an electric vehicle consumes energy directly from the battery. Try to use it moderately and opt for simple ventilation whenever the weather allows.
Keep the Battery Charge within 20% - 80%
Try not to let the battery discharge completely or charge it to 100% too often unless absolutely necessary. This practice helps maintain battery health and ensures a more stable driving range over time.
Use Scheduled Charging and Preconditioning
Whenever possible, charge your vehicle during non-peak electricity hours and pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin while the car is still plugged in. This prevents unnecessary battery drain during your trip.
Why are these Tips Important?
Petrol vehicles perform better with gentle acceleration and clean air filters. Diesel vehicles benefit from timely gear shifts and regular injector upkeep. CNG-powered vehicles require well-maintained spark plugs and clean fuel to operate efficiently. No matter the fuel type, keeping tyres in good condition, driving smoothly and servicing the car regularly are essential practices for improving fuel economy.
When it comes to electric vehicles, increasing range relies on conserving energy and maintaining battery health. As the automotive world moves towards greener choices, adopting efficient driving habits continues to be an important part of responsible ownership. By following these tips, you can make your vehicle last longer and save a considerable amount of money over time.
FAQs
- Does using the air conditioner affect fuel efficiency?
Using the AC increases engine load, which can lower fuel efficiency, especially in cars powered by smaller engines. - Is fuel efficiency better in manual or automatic cars?
It greatly depends on the vehicle, but modern automatics can be as efficient or even better due to advanced gear control systems. - How does tyre pressure affect mileage?
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. - Do fuel additives improve fuel efficiency?
Most additives have limited or no impact. It's best to focus on driving habits and vehicle maintenance instead. - Do short trips require more fuel?
Yes, since cold engines consume more fuel. Frequent short trips don’t give the engine enough time to reach optimal operating temperature.