Simple Tips To Increase Your New Car Mileage

If you've recently purchased a new car and are wondering why it's not delivering the mileage you expected, you're not alone. Many new car owners face this issue, but the good news is that there are effective strategies to enhance your vehicle's fuel efficiency. In this guide, we will cover the reasons for low mileage and provide actionable tips on how to increase your car's mileage by 20%, 30%, or even 40% just by following some simple steps.

Why is your new car not giving the expected mileage?

It is very normal when you buy a new car, you tend to consume lower mileage in the first few months, due to several factors:

• Engine Break-In Period: New engines should be broken in. This generally takes between 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. In such a period, the new engine parts are still trying to settle and may not work at their best performance.
• Engine Oil: The engine oil of a new car takes time to circulate and lubricate all moving parts properly. Before the oil reaches its optimum distribution, fuel efficiency may be compromised.
• Driving Habits: Many first-time drivers have not yet learned their car's handling and performance, so they often practice inefficient driving habits that are bad for mileage.
• Tire Pressure: Improper tire pressure is a significant factor in fuel economy. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel.
• Weight Load: Carrying excess weight in your car can also reduce mileage. If you are driving with a full load of passengers or cargo most of the time, it can lead to an increase in fuel consumption.

Tips to Improve Your Car's Mileage

Now that we understand some reasons for low mileage, let's look at practical tips to enhance your car's fuel efficiency.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Tires are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road, making proper tire pressure crucial for optimal performance. Here’s how to ensure your tires are correctly inflated:

• Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Read the owner manual or look at the sticker on the inside of the driver's door for the suggested pressure of your tires. Generally, there are two options: Normal Load-when fewer people are in the vehicle and Full Load-when there are maximum passengers or load.
• Avoid Generic Ranges: Many service stations have a generic pressure range that is around 30-32 psi that does not apply to most vehicles. Always use what the manufacturer recommends.
• Check when cold: For an accurate reading, check tire pressure when tires are cold, such as before driving or a few hours after the car has been parked. Driving warms up the tires and causes air inside them to expand, giving a false reading for pressure.

Acceleration and Braking Efficiency

The style of driving greatly influences the fuel consumed. Some tips on improving acceleration and braking efficiency include:

• Smooth Acceleration: Avoid hard starts and sudden acceleration. The smooth pick-up of speed ensures your engine is burning more fuel efficiently.
• Anticipate Stops: Rather than waiting until the last second to brake, anticipate stops by easing off on the accelerator early. This way, you will avoid as much wear on brakes as well as increase your miles per gallon.

Use the Clutch Judiciously (For Manual Transmission)

If you operate a manual transmission, correct clutch use is key for maximizing good mileage:

• Avoid Riding the Clutch: Keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving can lead to unnecessary wear and reduced efficiency. Use the clutch only when necessary—during gear changes.
• Shift at Optimal RPMs: Shift gears at lower RPMs (around 2,000-2,500) for better fuel economy rather than pushing your engine to higher RPMs.

Manage Engine Speed

Driving speed has a lot to do with fuel consumption:

• Drive at Steady Speeds: Drive on highways and avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration.
• Use Cruise Control: Use cruise control on long highway drives; it helps maintain a steady speed, which will help improve the mileage by not accelerating unnecessarily.

Be Conscious of Usage of Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning (AC) can be a strain on your engine, which affects mileage:

• Use AC Sparingly: Use AC only when absolutely necessary or during extreme heat conditions.
• Alternative Ventilation: Roll down windows on cooler days instead of using AC for ventilation.

Regular Engine Maintenance

A well-maintained engine is key to good mileage:

• Regular Oil Changes: Use high-quality oil and follow the manufacturer's instructions for oil changes. Specifications for your vehicle must be met.
• Air Filter Replacement: A clean air filter ensures proper airflow into the engine and improves performance and efficiency. Check and replace it as necessary.
• Spark Plug Maintenance: Worn or dirty spark plugs can lead to less than complete combustion, so efficiency is reduced. They need to be replaced according to a maintenance schedule.

Trim Excess Weight

For every kilogram you carry in your car, you need more energy (fuel) to propel it:

• Eliminate Unnecessary Items: Get rid of items in your trunk or back seat that you do not need on a daily basis.
• Rooftop Racks and Attachments: Remove them if you don't use rooftop racks or other attachments because they create more drag that can lower fuel efficiency.

Optimize Your Routes

Planned routes can save both time and fuel:

• Avoid Traffic Congestion: Use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates to avoid congested routes that require frequent stopping and starting.
• Combine Errands: Plan trips so that multiple errands can be completed in one outing rather than making several short trips throughout the day.

Conclusion

Improving your car's mileage doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By implementing these simple yet effective strategies—such as maintaining proper tire pressure, optimizing acceleration and braking techniques, managing air conditioning use —you can significantly enhance your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

If you're diligent about these practices from the outset of ownership, you may find that achieving better mileage becomes second nature over time. Not only will these steps help you save money on fuel costs, but they will also contribute positively to environmental sustainability by reducing emissions associated with excessive fuel consumption.

Remember that every small change counts! Whether you're aiming for a modest improvement or looking for substantial gains in mileage, these tips will set you on the right path toward maximizing your car's performance and efficiency.