Effective Tips to Increase Car Mileage

Car mileage can affect our car performance. Hence, we must know how to improve car mileage. Increasing your car mileage can help with fuel efficiency. Here are effective tips to improve your car’s mileage and reduce fuel expenses, factors that impact car mileage, and things that you should avoid to maximise the mileage.

Top tips to improve your car’s mileage

• Keep Engine in a Good Health

Regular maintenance and upkeep of your car’s engine are vital in maximising fuel efficiency. It includes changing the oil and oil filters per the manufacturer’s recommendations, replacing air filters when necessary, and ensuring that spark plugs are in good condition. A well-maintained engine performs optimally, burns fuel efficiently, and contributes to better mileage.

• Reduce the Load Inside the Car

Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can significantly impact fuel consumption. Take a moment to assess the items you have stored in your car and remove anything you don’t need for your daily commute or upcoming trip. Excess weight puts additional strain on the engine and increases fuel consumption. By lightening the load, you can improve your car’s mileage.

• Use the Correct Engine Oil

Choosing the correct grade of engine oil recommended by the manufacturer is crucial for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. The right engine oil helps reduce friction and wear, allowing the engine to operate smoothly and efficiently. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to determine your specific engine’s oil viscosity and type.

• Be Easy on Pedal

Aggressive driving habits such as rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and excessive speeding can significantly reduce your car’s fuel efficiency. Instead, adopt a more relaxed and steady driving style. Accelerate gradually, maintain a consistent speed, and anticipate traffic flow to minimise unnecessary stops and starts. Being gentle on the pedal can conserve fuel and improve mileage.

• Maintain the Right Air Pressure

Proper tire inflation is vital for fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Conversely, over-inflated tires can lead to a harsh ride and uneven tire wear. Regularly check your tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended level specified by the manufacturer. It will help optimise fuel economy and ensure safer driving.

• Avoid Over-revving

Over-revving the engine puts an unnecessary burden on your car’s fuel consumption. Revving the engine beyond its recommended limits wastes fuel and increases wear and tear on engine components. Practice smooth and gradual acceleration, shifting gears at the appropriate RPM range to promote fuel efficiency and preserve the longevity of your engine.

• Use Gears Correctly

Whether you have a manual or automatic transmission, using gears correctly can significantly impact your car’s mileage. In a manual transmission car, shift to higher gears as soon as you reach the recommended speed range. In an automatic transmission car, allow the transmission to shift up to higher gears without unnecessarily revving the engine. It allows for smoother and more efficient power delivery, resulting in better fuel economy.

• Check Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and increased rolling resistance, reducing mileage. Regularly check the alignment of your wheels and have them aligned by a professional if necessary. It will ensure your tires roll smoothly, reducing unnecessary drag and improving fuel efficiency.

• Leave the Air-Con Turned Off

While it may be tempting to keep the air conditioning running constantly, excessive air-con use puts additional load on the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption. Instead, use natural ventilation or open windows for cooling when the weather permits. You must reserve air conditioning for extremely hot or humid conditions or at higher speeds where the drag from open windows may impact mileage.

• Maintain an Optimal Speed Limit

Driving at high speeds significantly increases aerodynamic drag, notably affecting fuel consumption. As the manufacturer recommends, maintaining a moderate and optimal speed limit allows your car to operate more efficiently. Adhering to speed limits promotes safer driving, helps conserve fuel, and improves mileage.

Factors that influence car mileage

1. Driving Conditions

City driving with frequent stops and road congestion reduces mileage, while highway driving at steady speeds improves fuel efficiency.

2. Car Maintenance

Regular servicing, oil changes, and using quality fuel improve mileage, whereas neglecting maintenance can reduce fuel efficiency.

3. Tire Quality and Pressure

Worn-out or incorrectly inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to consume more fuel.

4. Aerodynamics and Load

Adding roof racks, spoilers, or carrying excess weight in the car impacts aerodynamics and fuel consumption.

5. Fuel Quality

Low-quality or adulterated fuel reduces engine performance, leading to poor mileage.

6. Transmission Type

Automatic cars generally consume more fuel than manual cars due to energy loss in torque converters. However, modern CVT and DCT transmissions are designed to optimise mileage.

Common mistakes that lead to poor mileage of the car

1. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Skipping oil changes, not replacing air filters, and delaying engine servicing can drastically reduce fuel efficiency.

2. Overusing Air Conditioning

Continuous use of air conditioning increases engine load and fuel consumption.

3. Driving with Windows Down at High Speeds

Open windows create aerodynamic drag, forcing the engine to work harder, and reducing mileage.

4. Incorrect Tire Pressure

Both under-inflation and over-inflation of tyres can negatively impact fuel efficiency.

5. Overloading the Vehicle

Carrying unnecessary items in the trunk puts extra strain on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.

6. Using the Wrong Engine Oil

Using engine oil that is too thick for your car’s engine can create friction and reduce efficiency.

7. Frequent Short Trips

Engines perform best when warmed up. Frequent short-distance drives prevent the engine from reaching optimal operating temperature, reducing mileage.

8. Not Investing in Four Wheeler Insurance

Comprehensive four wheeler insurance can help cover maintenance costs after an accident, ensuring your car remains in good condition, which indirectly affects fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Now you know how to increase car mileage, you can improve your vehicle’s mileage and save fuel. It will also contribute to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective driving experience. Another thing you should consider for your vehicle is car insurance. It will give you financial protection against any unexpected event. Opting for bumper to bumper car insurance and four wheeler insurance can help you manage unexpected repairs and maintain your vehicle’s overall health. Drive smart, stay safe, and enjoy better mileage from your car.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.