Fuel efficiency has always been an important issue for Indian car buyers. However, it has become even more critical amid rising fuel prices and the nationwide introduction of E20 petrol. While several carmakers have acknowledged that ethanol-blended petrol may lead to a slight reduction in mileage, many vehicle owners fail to recognise that fuel efficiency is also affected by factors such as driving behaviour, maintenance, and road conditions.
Whether you own a Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Creta, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO or Kia Seltos, adopting a few simple maintenance practices can help improve fuel economy and extend the life of your vehicle.
How can I improve the mileage of my car?
The easiest way to improve fuel efficiency is to adopt smoother driving habits. Some of them are listed below:
Maintain correct tyre pressure
One of the most overlooked factors affecting fuel efficiency is tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Car owners should check tyre pressure at least once every two weeks to ensure it matches the manufacturer's recommended levels. Properly inflated tyres not only improve fuel economy but also enhance safety and tyre life.
Regular engine servicing
A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently and consumes less fuel. Regular servicing, including timely engine oil changes, air filter replacement and spark plug inspection, ensures optimal combustion and performance.
Dirty engine oil, clogged air filters or worn spark plugs can reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption. Following the maintenance schedule mentioned in the owner's manual is one of the simplest ways to maintain optimum mileage.
Does using the AC reduce mileage?
Yes, but the impact depends on driving conditions. Running the air conditioner continuously at the lowest temperature increases the load on the engine, leading to higher fuel consumption.
Keeping the cabin temperature between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius and using recirculation mode can improve efficiency while maintaining passenger comfort.
Keep the air filter clean
A clean air filter ensures the engine receives the correct amount of air for efficient combustion. A clogged filter restricts airflow, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Replacing or cleaning the air filter at recommended intervals is especially important in India's dusty driving conditions.
Use the recommended engine oil
Using the manufacturer-recommended engine oil helps reduce friction within the engine. High-quality, low-viscosity oils allow smoother engine operation, improving fuel economy. Choosing the correct grade of oil is particularly important in modern vehicles with tighter engine tolerances.
Check wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment increases rolling resistance and causes uneven tyre wear, both of which negatively affect fuel efficiency.
If the vehicle pulls to one side or the tyres show uneven wear, it is advisable to have the wheel alignment checked. Proper alignment improves handling, tyre life and better mileage.
Should you use premium petrol for better mileage?
Not necessarily. Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends premium petrol, using a higher-octane fuel is unlikely to deliver a noticeable improvement in fuel efficiency. Most mass-market petrol cars sold in India are designed to operate efficiently on regular petrol, including E20 fuel which were approved by the manufacturer.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.