Let’s be real—driving in India isn’t always a smooth ride. Between potholes, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and petrol prices that make your wallet weep, it’s no wonder most of us are constantly Googling How to Increase Car Mileage for Petrol in India.
I mean, who doesn’t want to squeeze every last drop of efficiency from their tank?
If you’ve ever looked at your fuel gauge dropping faster than expected and thought, “Yaar, is something wrong with my car?” — you’re not alone. The good news? You can totally improve your petrol mileage, without doing anything super technical or expensive.
Here’s how.
Mileage Drops? Yeah, There’s a Reason.
First off, let’s understand why your car might be guzzling more fuel than it should.
Indian roads aren’t exactly… kind to vehicles. You’ve got stop-and-go traffic, weirdly timed signals, random speed breakers, stray dogs, and that one biker who always thinks he’s in Fast & Furious. All of this affects how efficiently your car uses petrol.
But it’s not just the roads. A lot of it comes down to how we drive, how we maintain our cars, and honestly—how much we know (or don’t) about what impacts mileage.
1. Smooth Driving Wins the Race (and Saves Fuel)
We all get impatient. Late for work? Zoom. Need to overtake? Floor it. But here’s the thing—rapid acceleration and sudden braking are mileage killers.
Instead, try to drive steady and smooth. Let the car flow. If you’re in the city, staying between 50–60 km/h is usually the sweet spot for most petrol cars. No need to race. Unless you’re being chased by a lion (which, let’s be honest, probably won’t happen in Mumbai).
2. Tyre Pressure: That One Thing You Keep Forgetting
Low tyre pressure = more friction = more fuel burnt.
Yeah, I know, checking tyre pressure sounds boring. But do it anyway. Make it a habit—like checking your phone notifications every morning. Most petrol pumps even offer free air-checking stations. Use them. Ideally, every 10–15 days.
Oh, and always check when the tyres are cold. Hot tyres = wrong readings.
3. Don’t Idle Like It’s 1999
You ever see folks leaving their engine running at red lights or outside shops? Don’t be that person.
Today’s engines don’t need that “warm up” myth from the ’90s. If you’re stopping for more than 60 seconds, just turn the engine off. You’ll not only save fuel, but also do your bit for the planet (and your pocket).
4. The Right Engine Oil? It Actually Matters.
It’s not just about changing oil—it’s about using the right one. The stuff your mechanic pours into your engine plays a huge role in how well your car runs.
Low-quality or incorrect oil makes your engine struggle. And a struggling engine drinks more fuel. So next time you go for a service, don’t just say “haan bhai, jo dalna hai daal do.” Ask what they’re using. Read your owner’s manual (yes, that book in the glove box you never open). It’ll tell you what’s best.
5. Lighten the Load, Literally
This one’s silly simple, but people ignore it all the time.
Your boot’s not a storage unit. Those old bottles, car cleaning kits, extra tools, even that broken umbrella from last monsoon—it’s all just extra weight.
And yes, more weight = more fuel consumption. Also, ditch the roof rack if you’re not using it. Wind resistance is real, my friend.
6. That AC You Love? Use It Smartly.
Look, I get it. Indian summers are brutal. But blasting the AC all the time, especially in slow-moving traffic, actually puts extra load on your engine.
If you’re driving under 40 km/h in city conditions, crack open the windows instead. At higher speeds though, stick to AC—open windows mess with aerodynamics and, ironically, burn more fuel.
Balance is key.
7. Plan Like a Desi Dad on a Road Trip
Remember how your dad would plan routes in advance, avoid tolls, and find that one shortcut that saves 8 minutes?
Turns out, he was onto something.
Use Google Maps or MapMyIndia to check live traffic before heading out. Avoid peak hours. Take smoother roads. Less time in traffic means less petrol wasted. You might even discover a better route to work or college.
8. Shift Gears Like You Mean It
If you drive a manual, you know the temptation to stay in a low gear just to zip through city traffic. But the more your engine revs, the more fuel it consumes.
As soon as the road opens up a bit, shift to higher gears. Let your engine breathe. But don’t be lazy either—don’t go to 5th gear while doing 20 km/h. That’s just… wrong.
Learn to listen to your engine. It talks to you. Kinda.
9. Stop Half-Clutching, Seriously
This is a big one. If you keep your foot half on the clutch while driving (aka “riding the clutch”), you’re literally burning fuel for no reason and wearing out your clutch faster.
Use the clutch when you need it. Release it completely when you don’t. That’s it.
10. Fuel Up from the Right Places
Not all petrol stations are honest. Sad but true.
Try to stick to reputed fuel stations. Look for Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL outlets that are busy (high turnover = fresh fuel). And once in a while, if your car allows, try premium fuel. It’s a bit more expensive, but some drivers claim it gives a mileage bump and keeps the engine cleaner.
Your experience may vary, but it’s worth a shot.
Real Talk: Mileage Is About Habits, Not Hacks
At the end of the day, there’s no one miracle fix. It’s about small habits—how you drive, how often you maintain your car, and just being aware.
A few kilometers per liter might not seem like much, but over a year? That’s thousands saved. And in today’s petrol-price reality, that matters.
Also, treat your car right. It’ll treat your bank balance better.