Has your car's mileage suddenly dropped without warning? You’re not alone. With rising fuel prices in India, every kilometre counts. While most drivers blame traffic or fuel quality, there are several hidden reasons that might be silently burning more fuel than necessary.
Let’s explore 12 surprising yet common reasons why your car's mileage may be falling—and how to fix them before they drain your wallet.
1. Aggressive Driving Habits
Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and frequent gear changes reduce fuel efficiency. In bumper-to-bumper Indian traffic, these habits are common but costly. Drive smoother, anticipate traffic flow, and shift gears early to save fuel.
2. Low Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. Indian roads and weather can cause pressure drops without you noticing. Check your tyre pressure every 2 weeks and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
3. Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter limits airflow to the engine, causing poor combustion and reduced mileage. Dusty Indian roads worsen this problem. Clean or replace your air filter regularly—especially if you drive in metro cities or rural areas.
4. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
This sensor controls your car's air-fuel mix. If it malfunctions, your engine might burn more fuel than needed. If you notice a drop in mileage along with engine warning lights or rough performance, get your sensor checked.
5. Spark Plug or Fuel Injector Issues
Worn spark plugs or clogged injectors reduce combustion efficiency. You might notice sluggish acceleration or jerky movement. These issues are more common in cars that skip regular servicing.
6. Carrying Unnecessary Load
Many Indian families use cars for shopping trips, road travel, and carrying loads. But extra weight means extra fuel consumption. Clear out the boot and remove roof racks when not in use.
7. Excessive AC Usage
Hot Indian summers force us to keep the AC on full blast. But your air conditioner puts extra load on the engine, especially during city driving. Use AC wisely and get it serviced on time.
8. Bad Fuel Quality
Fuel quality varies across petrol pumps. Contaminated or low-grade fuel can affect engine performance and reduce mileage. Stick to trusted fuel stations and avoid refuelling from unknown or remote locations.
9. Wrong Engine Oil
Using engine oil with the wrong viscosity increases friction inside the engine. This reduces fuel efficiency. Always use the oil recommended in your car’s manual and don’t delay oil changes.
10. Wheel Alignment Issues
If your wheels are misaligned, the car pulls to one side, increasing resistance. This adds stress on the engine and burns more fuel. Get alignment and balancing checked during every service or tyre replacement.
11. Terrain and Traffic Conditions
Driving in hilly areas or jam-packed city streets naturally reduces mileage. Using lower gears, frequent stopping, and idling at signals all contribute to fuel loss. While this is unavoidable in many parts of India, maintaining your car well can reduce the impact.
12. Recent Fuel Policy Changes
India has introduced ethanol-blended petrol (E20) to reduce emissions. While environmentally friendly, this blend has slightly lower energy content than pure petrol. This could be one reason you’re seeing reduced mileage despite no mechanical issues.
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Final Thoughts
A sudden drop in mileage isn’t always about a faulty engine—it’s often a mix of small issues that go unnoticed. From tyre pressure to driving habits and sensor malfunctions, staying alert can save you thousands in fuel costs annually.
Start with a quick inspection using the list above. If problems persist, visit a trusted service centre for a detailed diagnosis. Remember: a well-maintained car not only saves fuel but also runs smoother and lasts longer.
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