Common mistakes that reduce your car’s mileage: Simple tips

The recent rise in petrol and diesel prices has increased vehicle running costs across India, with fuel prices going up by nearly Rs 4 per litre in several cities within a week. Amid concerns over further hikes linked to global crude oil prices and supply disruptions, improving fuel efficiency has become a priority for many car owners. Although mileage figures play an important role during purchase decisions, real-world fuel efficiency depends largely on driving habits, maintenance, and vehicle condition. Ignoring a few basic practices can lead to noticeably higher fuel consumption.Aggressive driving is among the most common reasons behind poor mileage. Frequent hard acceleration, sudden braking, and driving at high speeds increase the load on the engine and result in higher fuel usage, particularly in city traffic. Smooth acceleration and controlled braking can help improve efficiency. Tyre pressure also has a direct impact on fuel economy. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Maintaining the recommended tyre pressure can improve mileage and reduce tyre wear.Unnecessary weight inside the vehicle can further affect efficiency. Carrying heavy luggage, unused accessories, or roof carriers increases fuel consumption during daily use. Long periods of idling also waste fuel. Keeping the engine running while waiting in traffic or during extended stops increases consumption unnecessarily. Turning off the engine during longer halts can help save fuel.Regular servicing remains important for maintaining fuel efficiency. Components such as air filters, spark plugs, engine oil, and fuel injectors affect engine performance over time. Delayed maintenance can lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency. Continuous use of air conditioning at very low temperatures also places additional load on the engine, especially in smaller petrol cars. Moderate AC usage can help reduce fuel usage during regular commutes.Driving in the wrong gear can further reduce mileage. Using higher gears at low speeds or revving excessively in lower gears affects engine efficiency. Selecting the correct gear according to speed helps maintain better fuel economy. Wheel alignment is another factor that is often ignored. Poor alignment creates additional drag and uneven tyre wear, both of which can reduce efficiency. Signs such as the vehicle pulling to one side or an off-centre steering wheel may indicate alignment issues.Frequent short trips can also impact mileage because the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature. Multiple short drives generally consume more fuel than a single longer trip covering the same distance. Fuel quality also affects efficiency and engine performance. Using contaminated or low-quality fuel can affect combustion and reduce mileage. Refuelling from reliable stations and using the recommended fuel type can help maintain better efficiency. With fuel prices remaining volatile, small changes in driving habits and regular maintenance can help lower fuel expenses while also improving the long-term condition of the vehicle.