Low Car Mileage: Reasons Why Your Vehicle is Using More Fuel

Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest factors that impacts the running costs of your car. In India, it is also one of the prime conditions that affect car purchasing decisions. Fuel economy not only affects your wallet but also plays a role in reducing carbon emissions. Sometimes, your car begins to use more fuel than average, indicating that there is an issue with your vehicle. We explain all the factors that impact your car’s mileage, including driving habits, maintenance gaps and will learn how to increase your car’s fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Common Reasons for Reduced Car Mileage

If you realise that your vehicle's mileage is going downhill, these could be common reasons and practical solutions to enhance fuel efficiency.

Poor Engine Maintenance Affects Mileage

A well-maintained engine is crucial to increase the car mileage. When essential engine components like air filters, spark plugs, engine oil, and various sensors aren't in top shape, the engine has to work harder, leading to more fuel consumption. Here are components that affect fuel efficiency.

• Clogged air filter
• Worn-out spark plugs
• Old engine oil
• Using incorrect engine oil grades
• Faulty mass flow sensor

Solution: It is advised to regularly inspect your car’s engine for faults and error codes. Ensure to replace old or worn-out parts timely to enhance the car's fuel efficiency.

Under-Inflated Tyres Causes More Friction

Driving a car with low tyre pressure than recommended by the manufacturer will reduce the mileage. This is because under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which is overcome by additional engine power leading to burning extra fuel.

Solution: If your car is equipped with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ensure to check the pressure frequently. Otherwise, get it checked at a fuel station whenever you refuel.

Excessive Idling

Letting your car idle for long periods is a significant fuel waster. Situations like waiting for someone with the engine idling, or at a traffic signal consume more fuel than you might think.

Solution: It is best to turn off your engine if you're going to keep the engine idle for more than 30 seconds. Most modern cars now come equipped with an engine idle start-stop system which automatically switches off the engine while idling and restarts when the clutch is pressed, or gear is engaged.

Aggressive Driving

Certain driving habits such as rapid acceleration, high-speed driving, and sudden braking can drastically reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. To achieve high performance parameters, the engine has to burn more fuel.

Solution: Adopt a smoother driving style. Gradually accelerate, keep your speed as consistent as possible, and avoid hard braking. This will deliver better mileage.

Overloading Your Vehicle

Carrying more weight than recommended by the manufacturer puts extra strain on the engine, which results in higher fuel consumption. Roof racks, additional passengers or heavy loads can worsen fuel efficiency.

Solution: The best way to attain good efficiency is to carry loads under the manufacturer’s prescribed limit. Also, remove unnecessary items from your car’s boot to reduce the burden on your engine.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel mixture in your engine. A malfunctioning sensor can send incorrect data, causing your car to burn more fuel.

Solution: Get the oxygen sensor inspected and replaced from a professional car garage if required.

Poor Quality Fuel

Another important factor could be the substandard quality of fuel. Poor fuels can cause deposits inside the engine cylinders, valves or spark plugs, which reduces the efficient burning of fuel.

Solution: Get your car refuelled from a fuel station with a reputation for quality fuel. Avoid refuelling from remote areas or highways unless it is an emergency.

Best Mileage Cars in India

Here’s a list of some of the most fuel-efficient cars in India:

Driving Habits That Lead to Low Car Mileage

Engine maintenance gaps are one of the many reasons for low mileage of your car. Driving factors come close second as they affect your car’s fuel efficiency. Here are some driving behaviours that contribute to higher fuel consumption:

Taking Frequent Short Trips

Taking multiple short trips doesn't give your engine enough time to warm up properly. A cold engine burns more fuel and delivers poor fuel economy. It is best to combine your short trips into a longer well-planned trip to make your drives more efficient.

Stop-and-Go Traffic

Constant braking and acceleration in heavy traffic increase fuel consumption. Driving in urban areas makes it a common issue. If possible, avoiding rush hour traffic by better planning your commutes when possible can help you achieve better fuel efficiency.

Overusing the Car’s Air Conditioning

Running your car’s AC at lower temperature settings (e.g. 18 degrees Celsius) will make the compressor work harder. This leads to high fuel consumption. Using your AC at a higher temperature setting of 23-24 degrees Celsius can reduce fuel usage and deliver better mileage in the long run.

Maintenance Tips to Improve Your Car’s Mileage

Regular Servicing

Keep your vehicle in top condition by getting it serviced regularly at expert car service centres like FourDoor. Frequent inspections between complete services will help in detecting minor issues before they become expensive and complex to deal with.

Keep Correct Tyre Pressure

The tyres must be inflated to correct tyre pressure as recommended by the manufacturer. With the right pressure, the tyres offer the least rolling resistance and optimum grip.

Monitor Fluid Levels

In between major schedule services, it is best to keep an eye on the fluid levels, including the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and radiator coolant. Ensuring the correct level of fluids will ensure that your car’s engine is always working at its best efficiency.

Conclusion

Increased fuel consumption is often a sign of underlying issues with your car or your driving habits. Identifying and addressing these common problems will help you increase your car mileage and save on fuel costs. Always keep your engine in its best working condition and follow smarter driving habits. Small changes can make a big difference in how much fuel your vehicle consumes.

FAQs

Q. Why has my fuel consumption gone up?

Fuel consumption may increase due to several reasons, including poor engine maintenance, under-inflated tires, faulty oxygen sensors, aggressive driving, or carrying excess weight in your vehicle. Regular servicing and good driving habits can help improve car mileage.

Q. How to increase car mileage?

To increase your car's mileage, you can:

• Maintain proper tyre pressure
• Service the engine regularly
• Avoid excessive idling and drive smoothly
• Reduce unnecessary weight in the car
• Do not use car AC at low temperature
• Use higher gears when appropriate to avoid engine strain

Q. How to increase the mileage of an automatic car?

To increase the mileage of an automatic car, you can:

• Drive at a steady speed without sudden acceleration
• Drive in “D” mode and avoid using sport mode (if equipped)
• Use cruise control on highways
• Service the transmission system regularly
• Avoid overusing the air conditioner
• Keep tyres properly inflated