Rising petrol and diesel prices are once again increasing the financial burden on Indian motorists, making fuel efficiency more important than ever. While fuel rates remain beyond a customer’s control, several common driving and maintenance habits continue to reduce mileage and increase running costs. Many modern cars offer improved efficiency, but poor driving practices and delayed maintenance often result in unnecessary fuel consumption. Experts say correcting a few common mistakes can help improve mileage noticeably over time.One of the biggest reasons behind high fuel consumption is aggressive driving. Sudden acceleration, hard braking and frequent lane changes force the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. While many drivers believe quick acceleration saves time in city traffic, the impact on travel time is usually limited. Maintaining steady speeds, using smooth throttle inputs and avoiding unnecessary braking can help improve efficiency in both city and highway conditions. Incorrect tyre pressure is another major factor affecting fuel economy. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to use more fuel. Apart from reducing mileage, low tyre pressure also affects tyre life, handling and braking performance. Automakers recommend checking tyre pressure regularly, especially before long drives and during extreme weather conditions. Oversized aftermarket wheels and wider tyres can further reduce efficiency because of added weight and resistance.Excess weight inside the vehicle also contributes to higher fuel consumption. Many owners continue carrying unnecessary luggage, tools and accessories in the boot for long periods. Additional weight puts more load on the engine, especially in hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Roof carriers and roof-mounted luggage boxes also affect aerodynamics and increase fuel usage at highway speeds. Removing unnecessary items can improve both efficiency and vehicle performance.Skipping scheduled maintenance is another common mistake that affects mileage. Components such as engine oil, air filters, spark plugs and fuel filters play an important role in maintaining engine efficiency. Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs and old engine oil increase engine load and fuel consumption. Modern BS6-compliant engines are also more sensitive to poor maintenance and low-quality fuel compared to older vehicles. Wheel alignment issues can further increase rolling resistance and tyre wear, leading to higher fuel usage.Excessive idling and poor traffic habits continue to waste fuel, particularly in congested cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. Keeping the engine running during long waits outside schools, shops or traffic signals consumes fuel without covering any distance. Switching off the engine during extended halts can help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Continuous air-conditioner use while idling further increases running costs, especially during summer.You can also use navigation apps to avoid heavy traffic and maintain smoother driving patterns. Choosing less congested routes and avoiding peak-hour travel when possible can help reduce fuel wastage. With fuel prices remaining unpredictable, improving mileage has become essential for many Indian car owners. Simple measures such as smoother driving, proper tyre maintenance, avoiding excess load, regular servicing and reducing unnecessary idling can help lower fuel expenses significantly over time.
