Rising petrol and diesel prices are once again increasing the financial burden on Indian motorists, making fuel efficiency more important than ever. While fuel prices remain out of the customer’s control, several common driving and maintenance habits reduce mileage and continue to increase operating costs. Many modern cars offer better performance, but poor driving practices and delayed maintenance often result in unnecessary fuel consumption. Experts say correcting a few common mistakes can help significantly improve mileage over time.The main reason behind high fuel consumption is aggressive driving. Sudden acceleration, hard braking and frequent lane changes force the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Although many drivers believe that higher speeds save time in city traffic, the impact on travel time is usually limited. Maintaining a steady speed, using smooth throttle input and avoiding unnecessary braking can help improve performance in both city and highway conditions. Incorrect tire pressure is another major factor affecting fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more fuel. In addition to reducing mileage, low tire pressure also affects tire life, handling and braking performance. Automakers recommend checking tire pressure regularly, especially before long drives and in extreme weather conditions. Oversized rear wheels and wider tires can further reduce performance due to added weight and drag.Extra weight inside the vehicle also contributes to higher fuel consumption. Many owners keep unnecessary equipment, tools and accessories in the boat for a long time. The extra weight puts more strain on the engine, especially in hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Roof carriers and roof-mounted luggage boxes also affect aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption at highway speeds. Removing unnecessary items can improve both efficiency and vehicle performance.Skipping scheduled maintenance is another common mistake that affects mileage. Components like engine oil, air filters, spark plugs and fuel filters play an important role in maintaining engine performance. Dirty air filters, cracked spark plugs and old engine oil increase engine load and fuel consumption. Modern BS6 compliant engines are also more susceptible to poor maintenance and low quality fuel than older vehicles. Wheel alignment problems can further increase rolling resistance and tire wear, leading to higher fuel consumption.Excessive idling and bad traffic habits continue to waste fuel, especially in congested cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. Running the engine during long waits at schools, shops or outside traffic signals uses fuel without covering any distance. Shutting off the engine during extended stops can help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Continuous use of air conditioners further increases running costs during idle periods, especially in summer.You can also use navigation apps to avoid heavy traffic and maintain a smooth driving pattern. Choosing less congested routes and avoiding long journeys when possible can help reduce fuel wastage. With fuel prices remaining unpredictable, optimizing mileage has become imperative for many Indian car owners. Simple measures such as smooth driving, proper tire maintenance, avoiding overloading, regular servicing and reducing unnecessary idling can help significantly reduce fuel costs over time.
