15 Ways to Improve Your Car’s Mileage

Highlights:

• Increasing fuel efficiency not only saves your money but also contributes to fewer emissions.
  
• To increase mileage, one should be gentle on the throttle pedal and avoid hard braking.
  
• Turning off the engine at traffic signals, regularly servicing your vehicle, and maintaining optimum tyre pressure are some basic measures that can increase your car's fuel efficiency in daily usage.

With skyrocketing fuel prices, vehicle ownership expenses have gone up. Multiple factors affect the operating costs, but one of the most effective ways to reduce the overall cost of ownership is to ensure you clock maximum kilometres with every litre of fuel, and that can be achieved by adhering to some simple but crucial measures, which are mentioned below.

Avoid Rash Driving

One of the most effective ways to ensure you get maximum fuel efficiency is to be gentle on the throttle. Having said that, it is important to accelerate in a smooth manner. Rapid acceleration will burn more fuel.

Turn Off Your Vehicle During Idling

Most modern cars nowadays come with idle start/stop technology that saves unnecessary fuel burning when the vehicle is stationary, and the engine is on. If your car isn’t equipped with such a feature, then make sure you turn the engine off during idling situations, like at a traffic light, to avoid wasting fuel.

Use the AC Wisely

An air conditioning system increases engine load and fuel consumption. Hence, it is important to use AC at an optimum temperature (24-25°) instead of maximum cooling. Also, it is important to use recirculation mode to reduce compressor load. One can also open windows at low/city speeds if the climate conditions are favourable. 

Keep Windows Closed at High Speeds

Opening windows at low speeds is good for saving fuel, but at higher speeds, opening them creates more aerodynamic drag (wind resistance), which will cause the engine to work harder to push the car forward. Therefore, at higher speeds, it is more efficient to keep the windows closed and use the air conditioning judiciously.  

Drive at Economy Speed

Driving at high speeds can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is important to drive at an economical and steady speed, and you can even use the cruise control feature for this. However, it is important to look ahead and observe the flow of traffic. So that you can plan your manoeuvres and refrain from unnecessary acceleration and hard braking.

Be in Proper Gear

Being in the correct gear plays an important role in achieving high fuel economy. When you drive at low speeds in a higher gear or remain in lower gears for too long will ultimately make your engine work harder, which leads to more fuel being burned. Therefore, it is crucial to be in the right gear by understanding the efficient RPM range of each gear to reduce unnecessary strain and fuel burning. 

Avoid Traffic Conditions

Plan your route so that you can avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions. GPS-based navigation apps like Google Maps and MapMyIndia can often suggest alternative routes based on real-time traffic conditions.

Use Good Quality Fuel

Always fill fuel from trusted fuel stations because adulteration is a big issue in India, which not only affects fuel efficiency but also harms the engine. High-quality fuel burns more cleanly, allowing the engine to work smoothly and offer optimum fuel efficiency.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly

Never skip regular service because only a healthy vehicle will ensure efficient combustion and reduce fuel wastage. Replace all essential fluids/oil and filters at the manufacturer’s recommended periods.

Use High Quality Engine Oil

Consider using high-quality, manufacturer-recommended grade oil for improved flow, reduced friction and improved fuel economy. Change oil regularly at the given interval to keep your engine in good condition. 

Keep Your Filters Clean

Keep your air filter unclogged because only a clean filter ensures proper airflow to the engine, improving the combustion process and mileage. Check and clean filters every 5,000 km.

Maintain Optimum Tyre Pressure

Tyres are the only component that makes contact with the surface. Under-inflated tyres will increase the total contact surface, thus causing high friction (rolling resistance) and forcing the engine to work harder. Hence, it is recommended to check tyres before long trips and always maintain the manufacturer-recommended air pressure.

Don’t Overload

The weight on the vehicle is directly proportional to its overall fuel efficiency. Therefore, the lighter the vehicle, the less strain is placed on the engine. So, if there’s any unwanted clutter or stray items in your car, remove them to save some fuel. Additionally, if you are not using the roof rack, take it off, as this will not only reduce weight but also decrease aerodynamic drag. 

Avoid Wheel Upsizing

Many people upsize the wheels of their cars in the name of modification. While this enhances traction, it also increases the weight of the vehicle and the rolling resistance, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency.

Check Wheel Alignment & Balancing

Regularly checking the wheel alignment and balancing is crucial because misaligned wheels will cause more rolling resistance and increase drag, which will ultimately lead to frequent fuel stops. 

FAQs

1. Is it possible to increase car mileage?
Yes, you can increase the mileage of your car by following some crucial measures like driving at consistent speeds, avoiding traffic areas, using the AC at moderate temperatures, and properly servicing your car.

2. Does AC usage reduce mileage?
The AC compressor is powered by the engine. So, yes, usage of the air conditioning system may impact fuel efficiency. But to minimise its effect, it is essential to use AC only when required, and between temperatures of 24-26 degrees. It is also advisable to use the circulation mode in general cases. 

3. Does opening windows save fuel?
Opening the windows is generally fine at city speeds, but at highway speeds, it increases aerodynamic drag, forcing your engine to work harder and decreasing your fuel efficiency.

4. Does upsizing the tyre size affect mileage?
Yes, increasing the tyre size reduces mileage because increased weight will cause more rolling resistance.

5. What is better, idling or restarting the engine?
Modern cars use less fuel to restart the engine than letting it idle for more than 10 seconds. Therefore, if you are stopped for more than 10 seconds, such as at a traffic signal, it is better to turn off the engine to avoid wasting fuel.