How to Increase Car Mileage?

13 Oct

Improving your car’s mileage, or fuel-efficiency, is an excellent way to save on fuel costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some practical tips to help increase your car's mileage:

1. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Sudden Accelerations

Aggressive driving, like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, can decrease your fuel efficiency by up to 30%. To improve mileage:

> Accelerate gradually: Sudden acceleration burns more fuel.
> Anticipate stops: If you see traffic slowing ahead, ease off the gas pedal and coast rather than applying the brakes sharply.
> Maintain a steady speed: Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed.

2. Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight in your car forces the engine to work harder, which increases fuel consumption. To improve mileage:

> Remove unnecessary items from the car, especially weighty objects from the trunk.
> Avoid roof racks: Roof-mounted carriers increase aerodynamic drag, especially at high speeds, which decreases fuel efficiency.

3. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by around 3%. Tires that aren’t properly inflated increase rolling resistance, requiring more fuel to move the car. To increase mileage:

> Check tire pressure regularly: Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner’s manual.
> Use low rolling resistance tires if possible: These tires are designed to improve fuel efficiency.

4. Perform Regular Maintenance

A well-maintained car runs more efficiently. Proper maintenance can significantly improve your mileage:

> Change the engine oil regularly: Use the recommended grade of oil to reduce friction in the engine.
> Replace air filters: A dirty air filter can reduce engine efficiency and fuel economy. Replace it as needed to keep your engine running smoothly.
> Check spark plugs: Worn-out or faulty spark plugs can reduce fuel efficiency by misfiring or inefficient combustion.
> Maintain proper alignment: Misaligned wheels can create drag and reduce fuel efficiency.

5. Use High-Quality Fuel

Using high-quality fuel that’s free from contaminants can improve combustion efficiency and protect the engine. Some fuel additives also claim to improve mileage by cleaning the engine’s fuel system. However, it’s important to:

> Buy fuel from reputable stations: Quality fuel burns more efficiently, improving mileage.
> Consider fuel system cleaners occasionally, as they can remove deposits and improve engine performance.

6. Minimize Air Conditioning Usage

Running the air conditioner puts extra load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency, especially at low speeds. To increase mileage:

> Use AC sparingly: When driving at low speeds, consider rolling down the windows instead of using the AC.
> Use ventilation or recirculate mode: At high speeds, air conditioning is more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows down due to the drag caused by open windows.

7. Use the Correct Gear (for Manual Transmission Cars)

For cars with manual transmission, shifting to the right gear at the right time can significantly improve mileage:

> Shift to a higher gear as soon as it’s practical. Driving in lower gears at high speeds consumes more fuel.
> Avoid staying in neutral: When going downhill, avoid putting the car in neutral, as modern fuel injection systems cut off fuel delivery when you’re coasting in gear.

8. Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling wastes fuel, and modern engines are designed to use less fuel when restarting than when idling for extended periods. To improve mileage:

> Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute, such as in traffic jams or while waiting.
> Avoid warming up the engine for long periods before driving. It’s better to start driving gently after just a minute or so.

9. Drive at Optimal Speeds

Fuel efficiency tends to decrease at higher speeds due to aerodynamic drag. The optimal speed for fuel economy in most cars is between 50-70 km/h. To improve mileage:

> Avoid driving at high speeds unless necessary. Driving faster than 80 km/h can significantly reduce your car’s mileage.
> Plan your trips: Use highways and less congested routes to maintain a constant speed, which helps improve fuel efficiency.

10. Use Fuel-Saving Technologies

Some cars are equipped with technologies that can help improve fuel efficiency:

> Eco Mode: If your car has an eco mode, use it, as it adjusts the throttle response and transmission settings to maximize fuel economy.
> Hybrid and Electric Vehicles: Consider switching to hybrid or electric vehicles if possible, as they are designed to be much more fuel-efficient than traditional internal combustion engine cars.

Conclusion

By adopting these practices, you can significantly improve your car’s mileage, save on fuel costs, and reduce your driving's environmental impact. Simple actions like regular maintenance, efficient driving habits, and reducing excess weight can make a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency.