How to Calculate the Mileage of A Car?

Updated on 27-03-2025

You are in the right place if you have ever wondered how far your car can go on a litre of fuel. Calculating a car’s mileage is an essential skill that helps you understand its fuel efficiency. By knowing your car’s mileage, you can make informed decisions about refuelling, plan your trips better, and even save money on fuel costs. Let us explore the simple steps you need to follow if you want to know how to find the mileage of a car.

What is Car Mileage?

Car mileage is the distance your vehicle can travel per gallon or litre of fuel. It is measured in miles per gallon or kilometres per gallon. Mileage highlights the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A higher mileage means the vehicle can travel longer with less fuel. 

How To Calculate Your Car's Mileage

To calculate the mileage of a car, follow these steps:

1. Fill up the fuel tank

First, ensure that you fill your car’s fuel tank entirely, taking note of the quantity added in litres. This step is crucial for obtaining the most precise fuel consumption and mileage measurement.

2. Check the reading of the odometer

Start by noting down the current reading on your car’s odometer. Then, drive for a certain distance. Check the new reading on the odometer. Subtract the initial mileage from the latest reading to determine how far you travelled. You can calculate your car’s mileage by dividing this distance by the fuel you used.

3. Drive as usual

When you drive normally without significantly changing your driving habits, you get a more accurate representation of your car’s average fuel efficiency. Keeping your driving style consistent and avoiding unnecessary routes eliminates any factors that could skew the mileage calculation. 

4. Refuel your car

When you fill-up the fuel tank, you have a known quantity of fuel to start with. Track the distance you travel before refuelling again, and divide it by the amount of fuel you added to determine your car’s mileage. Regular refuelling and recording these numbers over time allow you to calculate the average mileage and understand how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel.

5. Do the math

Doing the math in calculating car mileage involves determining the average distance the car can travel per unit of fuel consumed. This calculation helps assess the car’s fuel efficiency, enabling informed decisions regarding fuel consumption and trip planning.

6. Check periodically

By recording the mileage regularly, you can track the distance your car has travelled. Periodically noting down the odometer reading and the amount of fuel you have added allows you to calculate the mileage over a specific period. This helps you monitor any changes in fuel efficiency and identify potential issues with your car’s performance.

Formula To Calculate Mileage

If you’re searching the net on “how to calculate the mileage of a car,” the formula to compute your car’s mileage is as follows:

Four-Wheeler Mileage = (Second Reading on Odometer - First Reading on Odometer) /Number of litres of fuel filled

Let us say you go on a road trip with your four-wheeler. Before starting, you record the first reading on the odometer, which reads 20,000 kilometres, and you fill the fuel tank with 40 litres of fuel. After completing your journey, you check the second reading on the odometer, which now displays 21,000 kilometres.

To calculate the mileage of your four-wheeler, you must use the formula provided.

Four-wheeler mileage = (21,000 km - 20,000 km) /40

In this case, your four-wheeler’s mileage would be 25 kilometres per litre.

Tips for Accurate Mileage Calculation

To get an accurate reading of your vehicle mileage, take care of the following things- 

1. Use the same pump every time
2. Make a note of the odometer reading immediately after refuelling 
3. To get the best average, use this calculation over several refuels 
4. For an accurate reading, drive under normal or everyday conditions instead of high traffic or uneven roads. 

Why is it Important to Calculate Your Car’s Mileage? 

Calculating your car’s mileage is necessary because- 

1. It helps you understand how fuel-efficient your vehicle is. 
2. It assists in budgeting the fuel usage for the car. 
3. Decreased mileage can indicate mechanical issues, and identifying this helps you maintain your vehicle before serious damage happens. 
4. A good mileage ensures that your car has a good resale value if you choose to sell it. 

Factors Affecting Car Mileage 

The mileage of your car is impacted by certain factors like:

1. Your driving habits: Smooth driving ensures better mileage for a longer time, and rash driving decreases the efficiency of the engine and car. 
2. Engine health: It depends upon timely maintenance and oil changes. 
3. Tyre pressure: Rightly inflated tyres offer a smooth driving experience, resulting in a well-functioning vehicle. 
4. The weight of the vehicle: The heaviness of the vehicle can make it harder for the engine to work. Adding excess weight to the car also reduces its mileage. 
5. The quality of the fuel:  The purity of the fuel used in the vehicle affects the mileage and overall health of the car. 
6. Traffic condition: Congestion and frequent stops reduce fuel efficiency and have an adverse effect on mileage.

Tips for Improving Car Mileage 

You can follow a few expert tips to maintain the car mileage and improve its performance- 

1. Driving efficiently without sudden breaks or acceleration and maintaining a steady speed can help maintain mileage. 
2. Regular visits to the repair shop, timely oil changes, and cleaning of the vehicle and its components are also simple and effective steps to maintain the car’s performance. Get a four-wheeler insurance to aid in any repair work your vehicle may need. 
3. Checking the tyre pressure regularly is also an essential part of vehicle maintenance. 
4. Avoid adding extra weight to the car as it reduces the efficiency and mileage. 
5. Do not constantly use AC at the maximum setting for prolonged periods because this can reduce mileage.

Conclusion

You can accurately calculate your car’s mileage by following the simple steps outlined above, such as filling up the fuel tank. Regular monitoring allows you to assess the average distance your vehicle can travel per unit of fuel consumed. Remember, clearly understanding your car’s mileage can lead to smarter choices.

Having grasped the significance of car insurance , it is equally essential to recognise the relevance of investing in comprehensive car insurance policy. This type of coverage is a crucial safeguard, providing financial security in the event of any unforeseen incidents on the road.