Whether you drive a small hatchback or a big SUV, one question every car owner asks is: “How can I get better mileage?” In simple terms, mileage means how far your car can travel on one litre of petrol or diesel.
The more kilometers you get from each litre, the less often you have to fill up-saving you money over time.
The good news? You don’t have to be a car expert to improve your mileage. A few simple habits, some basic maintenance, and smart planning can help you make the most of every drop of fuel-whether you drive a manual (MT) or automatic (AT) car.
Drive Smoothly, Save Fuel
Your driving habits have a big impact on your car’s mileage. The smoother you drive, the less fuel your car uses. That means no sudden acceleration and no hard braking. Instead of rushing, try to press the accelerator gently and slow down naturally when you see a red light or traffic up ahead. This way, your car doesn’t burn extra fuel unnecessarily.
Keeping a steady speed helps too. Most cars deliver the best mileage when driven between 60 to 80 km/h. If you keep speeding up and slowing down, especially in city traffic, your car ends up using more fuel than needed. On highways, using cruise control (if your car has it) is a great way to maintain a constant speed and improve efficiency.
Shift Gears Wisely in Manual Cars
If you drive a manual car, knowing when to shift gears can make a big difference. Don’t let the engine scream at high RPMs (revolutions per minute). Shift up to a higher gear as soon as it feels right-usually once the engine sound gets louder or the car reaches a certain speed. This reduces engine stress and saves fuel.
In automatic cars, it’s best to avoid pressing the pedal too hard. If you drive gently, the transmission shifts gears smoothly and at the right time, which helps maintain better fuel economy. Some modern automatics also come with “Eco” driving modes. Turning this on can improve mileage further by optimizing how your car uses power.
Avoid Long Idling and Use Start-Stop Wisely
Have you ever kept your car running while waiting for someone or sitting at a long red light? That’s called idling-and it wastes fuel. If your car is going to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s smarter to turn off the engine. Restarting it later uses less fuel than idling for too long.
Many newer cars now come with an engine start-stop system, which shuts the engine off automatically when you’re at a stop and restarts it when you press the accelerator. If your car has this feature, don’t forget to use it-it can save fuel every day.
Take Care of Your Car for Better Mileage
Think of your car like your body: the healthier it is, the better it performs. Regular servicing is key. Make sure you follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. This includes oil changes, spark plug replacements, and cleaning or replacing the air filter.
One of the easiest ways to boost mileage is by checking tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres increase friction with the road, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check tyre pressure once a month or before long trips. Keep them inflated to the recommended level written in your car manual or on the driver-side door.
Also, using the correct engine oil is important. Always go for the type recommended by your car maker. It helps the engine run smoother and reduces internal friction. Don’t forget to check your wheel alignment too-misaligned wheels create drag, which lowers your mileage.
Lighten the Load
You may not think twice before leaving heavy items in your boot or back seat, but carrying unnecessary weight affects your car’s efficiency. The more your car has to carry, the harder the engine works-and the more fuel it burns. Clear out those unused gym bags, toolboxes, or anything that doesn’t need to be there.
Similarly, avoid using roof racks or boxes unless you really need them. These create wind resistance (drag), especially at high speeds, and that can seriously cut down your mileage.
Use the AC Smartly
It’s hot, and turning on the AC feels like a must-but did you know it puts extra load on your engine? In smaller cars especially, using the air conditioning all the time can lower your mileage. The trick is to use it wisely.
At lower speeds (like in city traffic), keeping the windows open may be more efficient than using the AC. But once you’re above 80 km/h, it’s actually better to keep the windows closed and use the AC-open windows create air drag that can reduce efficiency.
Plan Your Trips and Routes
Getting stuck in traffic means frequent braking, idling, and acceleration-all of which kill your mileage. Using Google Maps or any other navigation app to plan the best route can save fuel. Even if the alternate route is slightly longer, if it’s smoother and has fewer stops, you’ll end up saving both fuel and time.
Also, try to combine short trips. A cold engine uses more fuel, so running all your errands in one go is more efficient than taking multiple short drives throughout the day.
Fuel Quality Matters
It might be tempting to go to the nearest petrol station, but always try to fuel up at trusted fuel outlets. Adulterated or poor-quality fuel can harm your engine and reduce mileage over time. Using clean, good-quality fuel helps your car burn fuel more efficiently.
Manual vs Automatic – Which Gets Better Mileage?
People often ask: “Which is better for mileage-manual or automatic?” The answer depends on how you drive. Manual cars usually offer better mileage because the driver has more control over gear changes. But modern automatic cars are much smarter than before. They now come with fuel-saving features like Eco Mode, better gear logic, and even regenerative braking (in hybrids).
Getting better mileage isn’t rocket science. It’s all about being mindful-drive smoother, take care of your car, reduce unnecessary load, and plan your drives smartly. These small steps can go a long way in saving money, keeping your car healthy, and even helping the planet by reducing fuel use.
Even if you’re new to cars, these tips are easy to follow. The more you practice them, the more natural they’ll become. And soon, you’ll be enjoying longer drives with fewer trips to the fuel pump.