Top five tips to maximise the fuel efficiency of your car in India
As fuel prices remain volatile and commuting costs continue to rise, maximising fuel efficiency has become a priority for car owners in India. Despite improvements in vehicle technology, actual mileage often suffers due to factors such as driving behaviour, traffic congestion, inadequate maintenance and excess load. However, boosting efficiency does not necessarily involve costly modifications. Small changes in driving style, regular upkeep and better trip planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Against this backdrop, here are five practical tips to help drivers improve their car’s fuel efficiency on Indian roads.Smooth driving, Better mileageSmooth and steady driving is a key factor in improving fuel efficiency, particularly in Indian traffic conditions. Rapid acceleration increases fuel usage, while hard braking wastes energy already spent in gaining speed. Holding a consistent pace, reading traffic ahead and lifting off the accelerator early instead of braking late can help cut fuel consumption. Gentle throttle inputs also allow the engine to run in its optimal efficiency range. Over time, this driving approach improves mileage and reduces wear on brakes, tyres and other components, lowering overall running and maintenance costs.Maintain the recommended tyre pressure Maintaining recommended tyre pressure is a simple but effective way to improve fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel, particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. Incorrect pressure can also affect vehicle stability, steering and braking, impacting safety. Regular tyre pressure checks help improve mileage, promote even tyre wear, extend tyre life and ensure a smoother driving experience.
Service regularly Regular vehicle servicing plays a key role in maintaining fuel efficiency and overall performance. Timely engine oil changes reduce friction and help the engine run smoothly, while clean air filters support efficient combustion by ensuring proper airflow. Clogged filters can increase fuel use, and incorrect engine tuning can affect mileage. Routine servicing also helps detect minor issues early, supporting better efficiency, reliability and lower long-term running costs.Avoid unnecessary modifications Adding aftermarket accessories such as spoilers, along with fitting bigger or wider tyres, can negatively affect a car’s fuel efficiency. Spoilers that are not designed specifically for the vehicle often disrupt airflow rather than improving it, increasing aerodynamic drag and forcing the engine to work harder, especially at higher speeds. Similarly, larger and wider tyres increase rolling resistance and overall weight, which leads to higher fuel consumption during acceleration and everyday driving. These modifications can also alter the vehicle’s gearing and suspension geometry, further affecting efficiency. While such upgrades may enhance visual appeal or road presence, they usually come at the cost of reduced mileage and higher running expenses over time.Reduce excess weight and dragReducing excess weight and drag helps improve fuel efficiency. Unnecessary items in the boot add load, making the engine work harder during acceleration and on inclines, which increases fuel use. Roof carriers and roof-mounted luggage further reduce efficiency by adding aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds. Removing unused roof racks and limiting extra weight can improve mileage and reduce wear on tyres, suspension and brakes, lowering overall running costs.Use the right gear at the right speed Using the correct gear is important for maintaining fuel efficiency. Staying in a lower gear at higher speeds increases engine revs and fuel use, while using a higher gear at low speeds can strain the engine. Early upshifts in manual cars and avoiding high revs help keep the engine within its efficient range. In automatic vehicles, gentle throttle inputs encourage earlier upshifts and better mileage. Correct gear use also reduces engine wear and supports smoother everyday driving.
