How to get the best mileage possible from your car

With fuel prices not showing any signs of decrease, the need to get the best possible mileage from a car is more relevant now than ever before.

Economical driving has become the call of the hour. However, most people are unaware of how to manage fuel efficiency and get the best mileage from their vehicles. Many a times, better fuel efficiency is dependent on how one drives their car and how they take care of it.

Here is a quick guide on how to ensure that a car guzzles the least amount of fuel

Drive smoothly: One of the most effective ways to save fuel is by being smooth with throttle inputs and gear changes. Also, anticipation is another key aspect. If you see a red light, gradually take your foot off the pedal instead of keeping the accelerator pinned for the distance and then braking hard. This will only lead to greater loss of fuel.

Keep optimal trye pressure: Driving with optimal tyre pressure plays a huge role in increasing fuel efficiency. Reduced tyre pressure means increased contact area between the tyres and the asphalt, which in turn leads to friction, resulting in higher fuel consumption. On the other hand, over-inflated tyres might promise lower fuel consumption, but it loses grip making driving dangerous.

Image used for representational purpose.

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Image used for representational purpose.

Servicing: At the end of the day, your beloved car is nothing more than a machine, and a machine needs servicing for better performance. Checking oil and coolant levels once in two weeks is a great way to figure out if the consumption is somewhat questionable. Also, air, fuel filters and oil filters make a big difference in ensuring the engine runs at peak mechanical efficiency and ensures fuel efficiency as well. Alsom, spark plugs need to be soot-free as well.

Do not carry unnecessary weight: While asking passengers to get off because the car is overburdened should not be the right way to go about, the car often carries a lot of junk, accumulated over the years, that increases the overall weight and reduces fuel efficiency. From a spare tyre that does not work, to random knickknacks strewn across the vehicle, removing junk from the trunk can go a long way in increasing fuel efficiency.

Keep windows up: Rolled up windows reduces friction between the car and the air around. This means that the airflow around the car will be at its best when windows are up and one does not need that extra power to cut through the air, improving fuel efficiency.

Stop the engine when not driving: Keeping the engine running while waiting for someone effectively means using up the fuel. Switch off the engine to maintain fuel efficiency of your car.