How To Improve Car Mileage For Both Petrol And Diesel Cars

Cars are our reliable travel companions that take us on trips, to work, and back home. They are more than just metal boxes on wheels. However, have you ever been annoyed at the fuelling station and wished you could get more mileage from each fill? The secret to easing the burden of rising fuel prices may lie in improving mileage; it doesn't matter what kind of car you drive—older or newer, petrol or diesel, manual or fuel-efficient automatic, hatchback or SUV—there are effective ways to improve your car's fuel efficiency.

So, why does this matter? Enhancing your vehicle's mileage benefits both the environment and your wallet by reducing your carbon footprint and helping you save money at the petrol bunk.

Whether you're driving an older model or taking advantage of the features of a newer one, these ideas can help you get the most out of your vehicle. So grab a seat, and let's get started with a few helpful tips that will make your travels more comfortable, eco-friendly, and economical.
 

How To Improve Car Mileage?

If you want to increase your mileage, here's how to do it:

• Make Sure Your Tyres Are Properly Inflated
  Let's start with tyre pressure, which may not seem like much but can have a significant effect. Under-inflated tyres can make your ride a little softer, but they can also be very expensive. Why is that? Your tyres provide additional rolling resistance when they are not properly filled. As a result, your fuel efficiency may be significantly impacted by this increased friction between the tyre and the road.
  
  So, what are the best ways to achieve optimal performance? It's easy—simply check the tyre pressures recommended by the manufacturer. This information usually appears on the jamb of the driver's door.
  
  These standards are the result of intensive testing to guarantee that you get the best possible blend of grip, ride comfort, and, yes, fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that the best way to get the most out of your car is to heed these suggestions.
  
  Now, let’s move on to the next tip..
   
• Make Regular Engine Maintenance A Priority
  Routine maintenance is one of the most important measures in achieving the best possible fuel efficiency. But what should you focus on? Here’s what:
• • Air Filters: Air filters have the potential to clog over time, limiting engine airflow and lowering performance.
  • Engine Oil: One of the primary concerns to efficiency is increased friction within the engine, which can be caused by thickening and viscosity of engine oil over time.
  • Spark Plugs: As they age, spark plugs may find it more difficult to generate a powerful spark, which further reduces efficiency and performance.

Check your car's user manual for service intervals recommended by the manufacturer. These intervals are specifically recommended for Indian driving conditions, and following them will help you to maximise fuel efficiency. Also, many models of modern cars have indicators that notify you when a service is necessary.

By sticking to these recommended intervals and carrying out maintenance on schedule, you can greatly improve your vehicle's fuel economy.

Now that we’ve tackled maintenance, let’s move on to the next tip.

• Adopt Smooth Driving Techniques And Maintain A Consistent Speed
  Smooth driving is one of the finest strategies to increase  fuel efficiency. Why is this so important? Hard braking or abrupt acceleration can be detrimental; forceful starts and stops can reduce mileage by an astounding 20-30%.
  
  Further, it's critical to keep your speed steady. On long, open roads, it's natural to feel the need to speed up, yet doing so can cause sudden slowdowns later on because of obstacles, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings. Fuel economy can be severely impacted by these speed variations, leading to excessive fuel consumption.
  
  Focusing on stable speed and moderate acceleration will greatly increase your car's fuel efficiency.
  
  Now that you’ve got smooth driving down, let’s explore the next strategy on how to improve the mileage of your car.
   
• Reduce Extra Weight To Lighten The Load
  Reducing unnecessary weight is one of the easiest yet most efficient ways to increase your car's efficiency. Do you know how? Every extra 45 kg can cut fuel efficiency by about 2%. Therefore, taking a moment to get rid of heavy, unnecessary objects from your vehicle is essential. In addition to being easier to drive, a lighter car also improves engine performance.
  
  The heavier your vehicle, the harder your engine has to work. Rolling resistance and inertia are increased with weight, and these factors may severely impact fuel economy.
   
• Make Wise Decisions Regarding Air Conditioning
  You should also think about how you make use of air conditioning. Did you know that in hot weather, especially on short trips, air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by as much as 25%? Try opening the windows to let some fresh air in when the weather permits. But remember that using the air conditioner usually saves  fuel at higher speeds than driving with the windows down, which might increase drag.
  
  Now that we've tackled weight and AC usage, let’s move on to our next tip..
   
• Optimise Vehicle Performance With Proper Gear Usage
  Using the right gear is essential if you want to increase your car's mileage. Why does this matter? Whether your gearbox is automated or manual, making efficient use of your gear can have an immense effect. It is crucial to accelerate gently because abrupt acceleration can significantly reduce engine efficiency.
  
  You may optimise engine performance and control fuel consumption by aiming for smooth acceleration.
  
  Now that you know about gear usage, let’s move on to the next tip of how to improve the mileage of your car!
   
• Understand How Wheel Alignment Affects Mileage
  In order to retain maximum fuel efficiency, proper wheel alignment is vitally essential. But why is it important? Your car is put under needless stress when your wheels are misaligned. The engine has to work harder because of the uneven tyre wear and greater rolling resistance caused by this misalignment.
  
  If you ignore wheel alignment, you'll eventually need to replace your tyres more frequently because of the uneven wear. Not only does this extra resistance increase tyre prices, but it also reduces fuel efficiency.
  
  What is the solution, then?
  
  Maintaining optimal vehicle performance and extending tyre life can be achieved by routinely inspecting and changing your wheel alignment, which will ultimately increase your mileage.
  
  Let’s keep exploring more tips to keep your fuel efficiency soaring-
   
• Reduce The Amount Of Idle Time
  Reducing idle time is one of the easiest, yet sometimes ignored, strategies to increase mileage. Why does this matter? You're using fuel even when your car is stationary but your engine is running. It's a good idea to switch off the engine if you're waiting for someone.
  
  Additionally, take into account cars with auto start-stop systems, which can easily help save fuel. In addition to wasting fuel, idling when stopped in traffic increases emissions. Thus, turning off the engine can be helpful if you expect a lengthy stop. Also, if at all possible, try to avoid those annoying idle times in traffic by choosing less busy routes.
   
• Planning Routes Wisely And Combining Journeys
  Combining excursions and planning your routes is another smart tactic. Do you know how this helps? By planning your routes to avoid traffic jams, you can cut down on fuel usage considerably. For example, you can get through crowded regions more quickly if you start your trip a little earlier.
  
  Try to combine errands into a single, longer journey as well. Since starting your engine several times can use more fuel, this method maximises fuel efficiency.
  
  Let’s move on to the next strategy:
   
• Prioritise Keeping Your Vehicle Clean
  Keeping a car clean helps improve fuel economy. Yes, it is true! For best performance, the engine must be clean and the filters must be clear. Maintaining your oil and air filters on a regular basis helps prevent needless fuel waste and guarantees that your engine operates smoothly and efficiently.
  
  You may greatly lessen environmental effects, save money at the petrol bunk, and increase your car's fuel efficiency by putting these tips into practice.
   

Let’s Sum It All Up,

Knowing how to improve car mileage, whether it is powered by petrol or diesel, is not only a way to save money but also to help our planet. Making small adjustments, such as keeping your tyres optimally inflated, refraining from reckless driving, etc., can save a lot of money and lessen your carbon footprint. Keep in mind that even these minor changes can improve your driving experience. So why not take a fun road trip with those savings? Remember that you're moving closer to a greener future with every mile you save. Continue to drive carefully and enjoy every moment of it!

Also remember, protecting your car with comprehensive insurance is essential to cover unexpected costs from accidents, theft, damage, etc. A well-protected car ensures peace of mind and safeguards your investment. And if you need more information on anything about car insurance, visit the SMC website.

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is generic and shared only for informative and explanatory purposes. It is sourced from multiple online resources and may be subject to change. Kindly seek advice from an expert before making any decisions related to the discussed subject matter.