How to improve your car mileage

Read our comprehensive guide to learn different ways to improve your car mileage.
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3 min
22-February-2024

With fuel prices on the rise, improving your car’s mileage is one of the most effective ways to reduce running costs. Whether you're commuting daily or planning weekend getaways, better fuel efficiency can help you save significantly over time.

However, if your car is ageing and mileage improvements aren't making much of a difference, it might be time to consider switching to a fuel-efficient car. With attractive used car loan options from Bajaj Finance, you can make this switch without any financial strain. With the Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, you can get a high-value loan by meeting some basic eligibility requirements. Check your used car loan eligibility now and find out how much you can borrow.

But before you explore that option, here’s how to get the most out of your current vehicle.

How to calculate your car’s mileage accurately

Before working on improving your mileage, it's important to measure your current fuel efficiency:

  1. Fill your tank to full and reset the trip meter or note the odometer reading.
  2. Drive your car normally for a few days.
  3. Refill the tank and check how many litres were added.
  4. Divide the kilometres driven by the litres used.
  5. Repeat this over a few refuels to get an accurate average.

14 tips to increase the mileage of your car

  1. Maintain correct tyre pressure
    Driving with under-inflated tyres increases rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Refer to your vehicle manual for the recommended tyre pressure and check it regularly, ideally once a week. This will help in increasing the mileage of your car.
  2. Follow a strict maintenance schedule
    Regular servicing helps maintain engine health, improves combustion, and reduces fuel consumption. Regular maintenance tasks include:
    • Oil changes: Use the recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle. Oil that is too thick or too thin can affect fuel consumption.
    • Air filters: A clean air filter ensures that your engine gets the proper air-fuel mixture, which improves efficiency.
    • Spark plugs: Worn or dirty spark plugs can cause misfires and reduce fuel efficiency. Replacing them at regular intervals helps keep your engine running smoothly.
  3. Avoid aggressive driving: Sudden acceleration, harsh braking, and rapid gear shifts all lead to poor fuel efficiency. Drive smoothly and maintain a steady pace to reduce fuel consumption. Here are a few things you can do to improve your car mileage.
    • Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking: Smooth driving helps maintain a steady speed and uses less fuel. Accelerate gently and anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
    • Use cruise control: On highways, cruise control can help maintain a constant speed, which often results in better fuel efficiency.
    • Avoid excessive idling: Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. Turn off your engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two.
  4. Lighten your load: Carrying unnecessary weight puts extra strain on the engine. Remove items that are not needed and avoid carrying heavy loads in the boot. Detachable roof carriers should also be removed when not in use.
    Additional read: Best car accessories for the ultimate road trips
  5. Reduce aerodynamic drag: Driving with open windows or sunroofs at high speeds can cause increased air resistance. For better fuel efficiency on highways, keep the windows rolled up and use the car's ventilation or AC system wisely.
  6. Plan your trips efficiently: Short trips and stop-start traffic reduce mileage. Try to combine errands into one trip and use route planning tools to avoid traffic congestion. Fewer cold starts and less idling lead to better fuel economy.
    Additional read: What is ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
  7. Use the correct fuel type: Always fill your tank with the fuel grade recommended in your car’s manual. Using high-octane fuel unnecessarily or low-grade fuel can negatively impact mileage and engine performance.
  8. Monitor fuel consumption regularly: Keep a log or use your car’s digital mileage tracker to observe how different driving patterns and maintenance habits affect your fuel usage. Sudden drops in mileage can be a sign that your vehicle needs servicing.
  9. Use air conditioning strategically: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, especially at low speeds. Ventilate your car before switching on the AC and avoid using it continuously on short drives.
  10. Consider engine tuning and minor upgrades:Over time, your engine may not perform at its best. A professional engine tune-up or fuel injector cleaning can help restore efficiency. Some authorised additives may also improve combustion and mileage in older vehicles.
  11. Stick to optimal speed ranges: Driving at 60–80 km/h generally delivers the best mileage. Speeding or frequent acceleration forces the engine to consume more fuel. Maintain a steady speed and avoid unnecessary overtaking.
  12. Use higher gears when possible: Driving in a lower gear at high speeds increases engine RPM and fuel consumption. Shift to higher gears at the right time. In automatic cars, avoid heavy acceleration to allow timely gear changes.
    Additional read:  Pre-Owned Car Buying Guide in India
  13. Minimise use of electrical accessories:
    Using defrosters, heated mirrors, additional lights, or charger’s places extra load on the engine, especially in smaller cars. Use these accessories only when necessary.
  14. Consider upgrading to a fuel-efficient used car: If your current vehicle is over 10 years old and still delivers poor mileage despite regular maintenance, it might be time for an upgrade. A more recent, fuel-efficient used car could lower your monthly fuel expenses and provide a better driving experience. With Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, switching to a better vehicle is simple and affordable. Key benefits include:
    • Loan amounts of up to Rs. 1.02 crore
    • Financing of up to 115% of the car’s value
    • Minimal documentation and quick processing
    • Flexible repayment tenure of up to 84 months

You can even check your pre-approved offer online by simply entering your mobile number—no branch visit required.

Increasing your car’s mileage isn’t just about saving money—it’s about driving smarter and preserving your vehicle’s health. Simple habits like maintaining optimal tyre pressure, avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, using the right engine oil, reducing excess load, and keeping up with regular servicing can significantly boost fuel efficiency. Planning routes to avoid traffic, turning off the engine during long stops, and driving at steady speeds also help reduce fuel consumption. If despite these efforts your car’s mileage remains unsatisfactory, it may be time to consider a more fuel-efficient model. With Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, you can easily switch to a certified pre-owned car that offers better mileage, without straining your finances

Check your pre-approved used car loan offer today and drive home a better-performing, fuel-efficient car.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I improve car mileage?

Improving your car’s mileage is easier than you think. Start by properly inflating your tyres to the recommended pressure, keeping up with regular maintenance, and driving at a moderate, steady speed. Avoid excessive idling and make use of cruise control on highways to save fuel. Remember, using the AC frequently can reduce mileage, so use it wisely. Also, using the right motor oil and decluttering your car to reduce weight can make a noticeable difference.

If your car is old or not delivering the mileage you want despite these tips, it might be time to upgrade. With a Bajaj Finserv Used Car Loan, you can switch to a more fuel-efficient used car at an affordable cost.

Check your used car loan eligibility now by entering your mobile number and discover how easily you can upgrade to a better, more economical ride.

Does an air conditioner (AC) reduce mileage?

Yes, turning on the AC can reduce mileage in a car. It requires energy from the engine, making it work harder and consume more fuel. It also creates drag, slowing down the car and making it less efficient. Using the AC sparingly can help maintain fuel efficiency.

Why is my car not giving good mileage?

Several factors can affect a car's mileage, including underinflated tyres, clogged air filters, a dirty fuel system, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, and aggressive driving. Regular maintenance, driving at a moderate speed, and optimising vehicle weight and cargo can help improve mileage.

How to increase mileage of a petrol car?

You can improve the mileage of your petrol car by following these simple tips.

  • Maintain regular engine tune-ups.
  • Keep tires properly inflated
  • Practice smooth driving habits.
  • Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle.
  • Plan efficient routes to reduce idling and unnecessary stops.
How to increase mileage of a CNG car?

You can improve mileage of CNG cars by following these simple steps.

  • Ensure regular maintenance.
  • Maintain optimal tire pressure.
  • Practice smooth driving.
  • Plan efficient routes to minimise fuel consumption.
How to increase mileage of a diesel car?

Improving the mileage of diesel cars is easy with these straightforward strategies:

  • Keep up with regular maintenance schedules.
  • Maintain the correct tire pressure for optimal efficiency.
  • Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking.
  • Plan your routes wisely to minimise fuel usage.
What is the best rpm for fuel economy?

The best rpm for fuel economy typically falls between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm for most vehicles. Staying within this range allows the engine to operate efficiently without overworking. Driving at lower rpms in higher gears, while maintaining a steady speed, can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Which gear gives the best mileage in a car?

The highest gear that allows the engine to run at low to moderate rpms typically gives the best mileage. In most cars, this is usually the 5th or 6th gear. Driving in higher gears at lower rpms reduces engine strain, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining a steady speed.

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