Top five tips to maximize fuel efficiency of your car in India

As fuel prices remain volatile and commuting costs continue to rise, maximizing fuel efficiency has become a priority for car owners in India. Despite improvements in vehicle technology, actual mileage is often affected due to factors such as driving behaviour, traffic congestion, inadequate maintenance and excess load. However, increasing efficiency does not have to involve expensive modifications. Small changes in driving style, regular maintenance and better travel planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption. In this backdrop, here are five practical tips to help drivers improve the fuel efficiency of their car on Indian roads.Smooth driving, better mileageSmooth and stable driving is an important factor in improving fuel efficiency, especially in Indian traffic conditions. Rapid acceleration increases fuel consumption, while sharp braking wastes the energy already spent in gaining speed. Maintaining a constant speed, reading traffic ahead and releasing the accelerator early rather than applying the brakes late can help cut fuel consumption. Light 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, tires and other components, reducing overall operating and maintenance costs.Maintain recommended tire pressure Maintaining recommended tire pressure is a simple but effective way to improve fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel, especially in city traffic. Incorrect pressure can also affect vehicle stability, steering and braking, affecting safety. Regular tire pressure checking helps improve mileage, promote tire wear, extend tire life and ensure a better driving experience.

regular service Regular vehicle servicing plays a vital 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 air flow. Clogged filters can increase fuel usage and improper engine tuning can affect mileage. Regular servicing helps detect minor problems early, leading to improved efficiency, reliability and lower long-term operating costs.Avoid unnecessary modifications Fitting larger or wider tires, as well as adding aftermarket accessories such as spoilers, can have a negative impact on the fuel efficiency of the car. Spoilers that are not specifically designed for the vehicle often impede rather than improve airflow, increasing aerodynamic drag and forcing the engine to work harder, especially at higher speeds. Similarly, larger and wider tires increase rolling resistance and overall weight, leading to higher fuel consumption during acceleration and everyday driving. These modifications can also alter the vehicle’s gearing and suspension geometry, affecting efficiency. While such upgrades may enhance visual appeal or road presence, they generally come at the expense of lower mileage and higher running expenses over time.Lose and stretch excess weightReducing excess weight and drag helps improve fuel efficiency. Unnecessary items in the boot increase the load, causing the engine to work harder during acceleration and on slopes, thereby increasing fuel use. Roof racks and roof racks reduce efficiency by adding aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds. Removing unused roof racks and limiting excess weight can improve mileage and reduce wear on tyres, suspension and brakes, thereby reducing total running costs.Use the right gear at the right speed Using the correct gear is important to maintain fuel efficiency. Staying in a lower gear at higher speeds increases engine speed and fuel consumption, while using a higher gear at lower speeds can stress the engine. Avoiding early shifts and high revs in manual cars helps keep the engine within its efficient limits. In automatic vehicles, gentle throttle inputs encourage earlier shifts and better mileage. Correct use of gears also reduces engine wear and makes everyday driving easier.