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City traffic in India can be regraded as a silent killer of a car's mileage. With fuel prices now fluctuating and global crude oil markets remaining under
pressure due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict, taking your four-wheeler out for office, shopping or any other activity has become more expensive than expected. In such scenarios, a well-maintained car keep its mileage on point better than a neglected one. While you cannot fix the city traffic or handle the current geo-political tensions, the simple habit of keeping a check of your car can genuinely work and help in improve mileage instantly. Here are five car maintenance tips and trick that genuinely work, which are recommended to sail through smoothly without unwanted breakdowns.
Check Tyre Pressure Every Two Weeks
The single most under-practiced habit of every Indian car owner is checking the tyre pressure of their car. It is reported that tyres lose about 1–2 PSI of pressure naturally every month, and especially during Delhi's brutal summers, pressure can fluctuate even more with temperature changes throughout the day. An under-inflated tyre creates more rolling resistance, which can put extreme pressure on the engine to push the car forward. That extra effort burns more fuel. Hence, it is recommend to check tyre pressure at least once every two weeks. Also, maintain the manufacturer-recommended pressure to improve mileage and also extend tyre life.
Switch To Right Engine Oil Grade And Change It When Needed
Old or degraded oil thickens quickly, and puts pressure on the engine to expend more energy just circulating it through the system. While driving in an urban city like Delhi, where engines frequently reach high temperatures during summer and rarely get a chance to fully warm up in short commutes, the quality of oil deteriorates faster. In such cases, it is very important to stick to car manufacturer recommended oil grade and don't 'upgrade' to a heavier one thinking it's better. Thicker-than-necessary oil increases internal friction. The fresh oil of the correct grade reduces friction, and helps the engine to breathe and combust fuel more efficiently. It leads to a great improvement in mileage, particularly noticeable in city stop-start conditions.
Clean or Replace Air Filter On Time
A clogged air filter chokes the air supply to the engine. For every litre of fuel the engine burns, it needs roughly 14.7 litres of air. And, if the air filter is dirty or damaged then it forces the engine to compensate by burning more fuel than needed. This not just lead to higher fuel consumption but also sluggish performance, making city driving immensely frustrating. If your car feels less responsive or mileage has dropped suddenly, it is important to examine the air filter. Replacing a dirty filter is inexpensive and can improve both performance and fuel efficiency.
Keep The Car Light And Smooth To Drive
Extra weight inside the car affects mileage more than most drivers think. Hence, it is imperative to avoid carrying unnecessary luggage, unused roof carriers, or heavy items in the boot, as it saves efficiency. Also, sudden acceleration, hard braking, and aggressive throttle inputs consume more fuel. It is necessary to maintain smooth acceleration and a steady speed to noticeably improve mileage during daily commutes.
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