🤯 “Bhai, Mileage Marr Gaya!” – Every City Driver Ever
You know that moment — you just drove 6 km in peak traffic, full clutch-brake war, and then you glance at the display: 6.2 km/l 😭
Sound familiar?
If you live in a big city like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Pune — this is daily life. Bumper-to-bumper, red-light after red-light, bikers cutting in, autos everywhere… and in all this, your mileage suffers like crazy.
But here’s the thing — it’s not always the traffic’s fault. Sometimes, it’s the way we drive that’s killing the fuel.
Let me share 5 real desi mistakes we all make, and simple fixes that actually work. No boring gyaan like “switch off AC” or “remove passengers”. Just real-world stuff.
Table of Contents
1️⃣ Over-Excited Acceleration – “Signal Khula Toh Rocket Ban Gaye!”
Be honest — ever felt like Schumacher when the signal turns green? We all do it. Pedal-to-the-metal jaise koi race ho.
But boss, this one habit drinks fuel like crazy.
Sudden throttle means higher RPMs, more fuel injection, and zero gain. Because 200 meters ahead… you’ll hit another jam anyway.
Govt. of India’s official fuel-saving guide (PCRA)
✅ What to Do:
- Chill. Ease into the accelerator.
- No need to “fill every gap” like it’s PUBG.
- Smooth throttle = more mileage and more peace.
“Mileage is not about being slow, it’s about being smooth.”
2️⃣ Wrong Gear = Wrong Game
You’ve got a 5-speed car but driving like it has just 2.
In traffic, many people either stay stuck in second gear all day, or worse — try to crawl in fourth. Both are terrible for fuel.
✅ Desi Trick:
- Diesel car? Keep between 1000–1500 RPM
- Petrol? Stick to 1500–2000 RPM
- If car feels like it’s struggling — downshift
- RPM below 1000? Engine is crying, bhai… shift down.
Gear shift indicator in most cars is there for a reason — use it.
“Apni car ko samjho, RPM ki awaaz suno — aur mileage dekhte jao.”
🔧 How to Check Engine Oil Properly (2025 Guide)
3️⃣ Zero Engine Braking = Full Fuel Wasting
Imagine this: You’re approaching a red light, still pressing accelerator till last second… then harsh brake.
You just burned fuel for no reason.
✅ Desi Hack: Play the “No Brake Game”
- The game is: use brakes as little as possible
- See jam ahead? Remove foot from accelerator early
- Let the car slow down in gear, not in neutral
- This is called engine braking, and fuel used = zero
Modern engines cut fuel while coasting in gear. Use it to your advantage.
CarDekho’s expert tips on improving mileage
4️⃣ “Shortest Route” Isn’t Always the Smartest
We all love Google Maps, right? But just because a route shows less distance doesn’t mean it’ll give more mileage.
If your usual route has:
- 12 speed breakers
- 9 red lights
- 3 school zones
- and 100 autos…
Then forget mileage.
🔍 15 HIDDEN Car Features Most Owners Miss
✅ Real Desi Logic:
- Choose longer routes with less stop-and-go
- Early morning? Try a flyover that’s usually jammed at 9 AM
- Use “Avoid traffic” filter in Google Maps
Mileage loves flowing roads, not stop–crawl–go–stop.
AutoCar explains engine braking and fuel-saving
5️⃣ Neglecting Car Health – Mileage Ka Dushman No. 1
You can be the calmest driver, but if your tyres are under-inflated or your engine oil is overdue…
bye-bye mileage.
✅ Checklist Before You Complain to Petrol Pump:
- Tyre pressure = as per sticker near driver’s door
- Clean air filters = better combustion
- Timely engine oil & coolant change
- Get that AC filter cleaned — dirty filter = hard engine
Bonus tip: Check pressure in all four tyres, not just front ones. Rear ones matter too.
🚙 How to Save Petrol in City Traffic – 7 Proven Tricks
💡 Bonus Desi Tip: Shut the Engine, Not Just the Mouth
Stuck at railway crossing or long red light?
If your car is going to sit for more than 8 seconds, turn it off.
No, it won’t damage the engine. No, fuel nahi ud jaayega in restart.
Modern cars are smart. Some even have auto start-stop. Use it.
“Bhai, aaj ka petrol ₹100+ hai. Har second ka hisaab rakho.”
ZigWheels: Route and traffic tips for better fuel efficiency
🧪 My Story: 17.5 kmpl in Mumbai Peak Traffic
Same route. Same traffic. Just better habits.
6 km drive, peak Mumbai madness — and still, my display showed 17.5 km/l.
I didn’t do anything crazy. Just:
- Stayed calm
- Drove with patience
- Followed all the 5 tricks above
- Didn’t race autos like a maniac
You try it. And DM me your mileage. I swear — it’ll improve.
⚡ Yakuza Mini EV – ₹1.75 Lakh Game-Changer
FAQ ON Driving Mistakes that Reduce Mileage
What are the most common driving mistakes that reduce mileage?
In city traffic, people often accelerate suddenly, ride the wrong gear, brake too much, or choose routes full of red lights. These habits burn extra fuel without any benefit. Small changes like smoother driving and better gear control make a big difference.
Does gentle driving really save fuel in city traffic?
Yes, 100%. When you drive calmly, without racing from signal to signal, your engine works less and consumes less fuel. Even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, a patient approach can improve your mileage.
Should I switch off the engine at long signals?
If you’re stopped for more than 8–10 seconds, it’s smart to turn off the engine. Today’s cars are designed to handle frequent restarts, and this trick can save a lot of petrol over time.
What is engine braking and how does it help?
Engine braking means letting the car slow down on its own while staying in gear, without pressing the accelerator or switching to neutral. This way, your engine uses almost zero fuel while decelerating — perfect for city driving.
Can wrong tyre pressure affect fuel efficiency?
Absolutely. If tyre pressure is too low or uneven, your car needs more power to move. This directly reduces mileage. Always keep your tyre pressure as per the sticker inside the driver’s door — it makes a big difference.
