Have you noticed your car’s mileage suddenly taking a hit? You’re not alone. A drop in mileage is one of the most common problems Indian car owners face. In most cases, it's a sign that something under the hood needs attention. The good news is that it's usually fixable.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons your car’s mileage might be decreasing, how to spot the early signs, and what parts you should check or replace to bring your mileage back to normal.
A sudden drop in mileage isn’t always related to driving habits. More often, it is linked to a mechanical issue or missed maintenance. Here are the top causes you should know about.
Your engine needs clean air to mix with fuel and run efficiently. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow and causes the engine to burn more fuel than necessary.
Air filters collect dust and pollutants over time. If you drive in heavy traffic or dusty environments, they can get choked faster.
Replacing your air filter is simple and can improve your mileage immediately. Follow your car’s service schedule or check more often if you're in metro cities or dusty areas.
These sensors help your engine maintain the correct air-fuel ratio. When they fail, your car may start consuming more fuel than required.
Sensors wear out with age or get damaged. Faulty readings can lead to excess fuel consumption.
If your check engine light is on and you're getting poor mileage, get a diagnostic scan. Replace the faulty sensor with an OEM or high-quality aftermarket part.
Improperly inflated tyres increase rolling resistance. This forces the engine to work harder and increases fuel consumption.
Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Worn or uneven tread can also reduce grip and mileage.
Check tyre pressure at least twice a month. Replace tyres that are worn or beyond their safe usage limit.
Worn or dirty spark plugs lead to incomplete combustion, which causes poor mileage.
Spark plugs wear out over time and may not produce strong sparks, especially during frequent start-stop driving.
Use spark plugs that match your engine specifications. Replacing them on time improves ignition and helps restore mileage.
Issues with fuel injectors or the fuel pump can disturb fuel delivery and affect your mileage.
Clogged injectors or weak pumps result in poor fuel atomization and incomplete combustion.
You can use injector cleaners or get them serviced. Replace the fuel pump if it's underperforming, using the correct part for your car model.
Using old or the wrong-grade engine oil can create excess friction inside the engine. This reduces performance and increases fuel use.
Engine oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to reduce friction.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil grade. Change it at the right intervals to maintain engine smoothness and mileage.
This usually happens due to clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, low tyre pressure, or faulty sensors. Even old engine oil can affect your mileage. Get your car checked and replace worn parts to restore performance.
Start with basics. Clean or replace the air filter, check tyre pressure, change engine oil, and inspect spark plugs. If the issue continues, get a diagnostic scan for oxygen sensor or fuel injector problems.
Yes. Bad or worn spark plugs cause incomplete fuel combustion, which lowers mileage and affects engine performance. Replacing them regularly helps maintain fuel economy.
It does. Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tyres properly inflated can improve mileage by 5 to 10 percent.
Stick to regular maintenance. Use the correct engine oil, keep sensors and filters clean, maintain tyre pressure, and replace parts like spark plugs or injectors when needed. Smooth driving habits also make a big difference.
Not always, but it can be. A sudden drop in mileage could mean minor issues like clogged filters or something more serious like a failing sensor. It’s best to inspect the car early to avoid major damage.
If your car is not giving the mileage it used to, it’s best to take action sooner than later. In many cases, the fix is simple. A small repair or part replacement can prevent bigger issues and help save fuel in the long run.
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