Getting Low Mileage? Stop Making These 5 Mistakes Immediately

Are you frustrated with low mileage from your car or bike even after spending thousands on fuel every month? You’re not alone. Most drivers blame the vehicle or fuel quality, but in reality, driving habits and basic maintenance mistakes are the biggest reasons behind poor mileage.

The good news? These issues are 100% avoidable. By fixing just a few common mistakes, you can improve fuel efficiency by 10–30% without changing your vehicle.

Let’s break down the 5 biggest mileage-killing mistakes you must stop making immediately.

Mistake #1: Aggressive Driving (Rapid Acceleration & Hard Braking)

One of the biggest reasons for low mileage is aggressive driving.

Why it hurts mileage:

• Rapid acceleration burns more fuel
• Sudden braking wastes stored momentum
• Engine works harder than necessary

In city traffic, aggressive driving can reduce mileage by up to 35%.

What to do instead:

• Accelerate smoothly
• Anticipate traffic flow
• Brake gradually
• Maintain consistent speed

A calm driving style not only saves fuel but also reduces wear on brakes and tyres.

Mistake #2: Driving in the Wrong Gear

Many drivers keep driving at high RPM in low gears, especially in city traffic.

Why it hurts mileage:

• Engine revs too high
• Fuel injection increases
• Engine efficiency drops

For example, driving at 50 km/h in 2nd or 3rd gear instead of 4th wastes fuel unnecessarily.

What to do instead:

• Upshift early (but not too early)
• Keep RPM in the optimal range
• Follow the manufacturer’s gear-speed chart

This single change can improve mileage by 10–15%.

Mistake #3: Underinflated Tyres

Low tyre pressure is a silent mileage killer.

Why it hurts mileage:

• Increases rolling resistance
• Engine needs more power to move the vehicle
• Tyres wear out faster

Just 5–7 PSI lower pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 8%.

What to do instead:

• Check tyre pressure every 2 weeks
• Follow manufacturer-recommended PSI
• Check pressure when tyres are cold

Proper tyre pressure improves mileage, safety, and tyre life.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Skipping routine servicing might save money short-term but costs more in fuel.

Common maintenance issues affecting mileage:

• Dirty air filter
• Old engine oil
• Worn spark plugs
• Clogged fuel injectors

A dirty air filter alone can reduce mileage by 5–10%.

What to do instead:

• Service your vehicle on schedule
• Replace air filters on time
• Use recommended engine oil
• Ensure wheel alignment

A well-maintained engine runs smoother and burns fuel efficiently.

Mistake #5: Carrying Unnecessary Weight & Roof Loads

Many people unknowingly turn their car into a storage unit.

Why it hurts mileage:

• Extra weight requires more fuel
• Roof carriers increase aerodynamic drag
• City mileage drops significantly

Every 50 kg of extra load can reduce mileage by 1–2%.

What to do instead:

• Remove unused items from boot
• Avoid roof racks when not needed
• Travel light whenever possible

Less weight = better mileage.

Bonus Mistake: Excessive Idling

Leaving the engine running while parked wastes fuel without moving the vehicle.

Fix:

• Turn off engine at long signals
• Use auto start-stop feature if available
•  

Why Choose These Mileage-Saving Habits?

1. Immediate Fuel Savings

You’ll notice improvement within one fuel tank.

2. Lower Maintenance Costs

Smooth driving reduces wear and tear.

3. Longer Vehicle Life

Engines last longer with proper care.

4. Environment-Friendly

Better mileage means fewer emissions.

5. No Extra Investment Needed

Most fixes require zero spending.

Conclusion

If you’re getting low mileage, don’t blame the vehicle just yet. In most cases, the problem lies in driving habits, tyre pressure, and maintenance neglect. By stopping these 5 common mistakes, you can significantly boost mileage, reduce fuel expenses, and enjoy smoother driving.

Small changes today can save thousands of rupees every year. Start correcting these habits now, and your fuel efficiency will thank you.

FAQs

1. How much mileage improvement can I expect?

You can improve mileage by 10–30% depending on your current driving habits.

2. Does AC reduce mileage?

Yes, excessive AC usage can reduce mileage by 5–10%, especially in city traffic.

3. Is premium fuel better for mileage?

Not always. Use the fuel grade recommended by your manufacturer.

4. How often should tyre pressure be checked?

Every 2 weeks or before long trips.

5. Does driving at high speed reduce mileage?

Yes. Mileage drops significantly above 80–90 km/h due to wind resistance.