HOW TO INCREASE CAR MILEAGE

Top-notch fuel efficiency has always been a priority for India's price-sensitive and value-conscious car buyers. Other aspects, such as the vehicle's appearance, design, performance capabilities and features certainly matter. However, a car's mileage in the long run makes all the difference.

The motivations vary, from increasing the average and adding to the kilometres travelled per litre or kg to supporting environmental conservation. Be it compact hatchbacks, spacious sedans, SUV cars, or budget or expensive car offerings. Irrespective of the reasons, soaring fuel prices have again highlighted a relevant question:

 

How to get good mileage in a car?

Let's understand the difference between certified average and accurate mileage, find out what impacts fuel efficiency, explore a variety of techniques, and learn how to improve car mileage. 

ARAI-certified Average Vs Real Mileage

ARAI stands for 'The Automotive Research Association of India.' The Government of India's premier automotive R&D and testing body is responsible for formally rating cars' fuel efficiency.

ARAI-certified mileage is the advertised number, generally secured during controlled ideal-situation tests in which a vehicle is driven through standardized driving cycles simulating typical driving conditions. It can be described as an unreal representation, and a claimed average often higher than what your car is likely to achieve in real-world scenarios.

Your car's real mileage or actual average is the true reflection of chaotic everyday driving involving stop-and-go maneuvers, speeding up and slowing down. It is considerably lower than the ARAI figure.

 

Key Factors Influencing Car Mileage

The type, large size and weight of a car adversely affect its mileage. Four-wheelers tend to be much heavier than smaller motor vehicles and require more energy to move. They also have bigger engines and less powerful aerodynamics, which require more fuel.

1] Your Driving Style or Habits

Improper gear usage, over-revving, aggressive or inappropriate acceleration, sudden or frequent braking, over-speeding, or excessive idling.

2] Use of Air Conditioner (AC):

Unrestrained use of AC, heated windshield or demister.

3] State of Car Maintenance:

Irregular servicing checkups, clogged filters, dirty spark plugs or fuel injectors, unchanged engine or transmission oil, less than recommended tyre pressure or incorrect wheel alignment.

4] Traffic Congestion or Road Conditions:

Driving in rush hour stop-go traffic, numerous signals, more brake/clutch usage, idling, and roads with numerous potholes or obstacles.

5] Other Contributors:

Too many short-distance trips, crowded routes, open car windows, carrying bulky items, inferior quality engine oil, faulty lubrication and avoiding a half-full fuel tank.

 

How to Improve the Mileage of a Car?

1] Adopt Correct Driving Practices:

Prefer a smooth driving style at a reasonable speed, use higher gears or cruise control on highways, avoid intense acceleration at a brisk pace or hard braking, and try to switch off the engine whenever possible.

2] Utilize the AC Wisely:

Monitor its usage, especially during hot weather short trips, and steer clear of the car's climate control lowest settings.

3] Go for Regular Maintenance:

Track manufacturer-advised service intervals or scheduled maintenance activities, go for regular cleaning, avoid low tyre pressure or over-inflation, and ensure adequately balanced/aligned tyres.

4] Plan Your Journeys:

Plan ahead, avoid peak traffic hours, use GPS to locate alternate less crowded routes with fewer signals, know local speed limits, and maintain consistent speed.

5] Be Watchful:

Combine your trips, roll up car windows to avoid additional drag, minimize electrical accessories, remove heavy load, use the right engine oil grade, consider occasional engine tuning, and keep the fuel tank above one-quarter.

 

How to Increase the Average of Petrol Car?

Sky-high fuel prices are undoubtedly a cause of significant concern for all car owners. It is more so for the ones who drive petrol cars as their engines are not as efficient as their diesel counterparts, and they often fall short of the desired mileage goals. That being said, petrol cars with under-1.2-litre engines and manual transmissions are usually regarded as more fuel-efficient.

Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned five techniques for enhancing a car's average, you should also focus on its engine capacity and the transmission type.

How to Improve the Mileage of Diesel Car?

Diesel car owners who consult licensed diesel mechanics may contemplate utilizing superior-quality synthetic engine oil or fluids in place of standard oil. Carefully picked additives and premium air filter/intake devices can also translate into better lubrication and greater overall fuel efficiency.

How to Improve the Mileage of CNG Car?

CNG or compressed natural gas is cheaper than petrol and diesel, and a CNG car's average beats that of a conventional petrol/diesel vehicle. Some of the well-known tricks for increasing CNG car mileage include starting the car on petrol, driving for a kilometer and then switching to CNG. You may replace the spark plugs with CNG-specific spark plugs, thoroughly inspect the CNG system for leaks, and get it repaired as soon as possible.

 

How to Find the Mileage of a Car?

You can't improve what you can't measure. Calculating and tracking your precise car average is crucial in formulating the steps to increase it. Start by filling the fuel tank and resetting the trip meter. Drive for a while until the fuel tank becomes almost empty. Now, stop to refuel the tank. Note the litres/kgs you put in and the km of distance you have travelled. Know your car mileage by dividing the total distance covered by the quantity of fuel you refilled.

As complementary tools, you may also use tech-driven third-party mileage tracking apps to properly identify low or high-fuel-efficiency periods and monitor fuel consumption.

 

Final Thoughts

Being firmly in charge of your car mileage does wonders for your pocketbook and helps you towards a more sustainable future. Fuel-guzzling vehicles, whether petrol, diesel, or CNG, not only hurt you financially but also harm the environment. The universally acknowledged and practical fuel conservation tips let you travel the proverbial extra mile and effectively manage your expenses.

As a new car buyer, you can proactively finalize the models known for their fuel efficiency. And, protecting your new car from man-made or natural calamities must be left to a comprehensive car insurance policy.

Globally sought-after online car insurance comparison portals like QuickInsure streamline the selection process and enable you to pick the most appropriate motor cover for yourself. Explore now!

 

The FAQs:

Does the Use of AC Impact Car Mileage?

Yes, less-than-optimized use of air conditioning negatively affects your car's mileage, reducing it by 25-30%, as it places extra strain on the engine.

What is the Ideal RPM for Best Car Fuel Economy?

Lower RPM or revolutions per minute normally mean healthier fuel economy. For most cars, it could range between 1,500 and 2,500 RPMs.

Does Open Windows Impact Car Mileage?

That’s right, open windows let more wind blow into your car. At high speeds, this restricts the vehicle's aerodynamics and puts more stress on the engine.

Does the Number of Passengers in the Car Impact Car Mileage?

Yes, more passengers mean more weight, and a heavier car with greater inertia would require more fuel to move.

Does Fuel Types Affect Car Mileage?

Unnecessarily utilizing a premium higher-octane fuel may not have any positive impact. However, using a lower-octane fuel against your car manufacturer's recommendation can bring down the mileage.

Does Engine Oil Affect Car Mileage?

Yes, too thick or too thin oil may increase the fuel consumption. Therefore, one must only use the correct top-quality engine oil grade, as mentioned in the car manual.

Does Keeping the Petrol Tank Full Increase Mileage?

No, it may decrease it because of the added weight. Keeping the petrol tank at least half-full may enhance your car's mileage.