Is it better to fill the tank completely or in small amounts?

Filling full doesn't affect mileage, but frequent small fill-ups mean more trips to the gas station. Fill up when the fuel light comes on — running near empty can cause fuel pump issues over time.

Vehicles

How to Save on Fuel Costs: Practical Tips That Actually Work

ToolsToIndia Editorial 5 min read Published 25 Feb 2026

Driving habits that save fuel

Smooth driving is the single biggest factor in fuel efficiency. Rapid acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by 15-30% compared to steady driving. Maintain a consistent speed, use cruise control on highways where available, and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary stops and starts.

Driving at 60-80 km/h is typically the most fuel-efficient range for most vehicles. Above 100 km/h, aerodynamic drag increases significantly — a car that gives 18 km/l at 60 km/h might give only 12 km/l at 120 km/h.

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Tyre maintenance

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine works harder to move the car. Check tyre pressure at least monthly (including the spare) when tyres are cold. The recommended pressure is printed on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual, not on the tyre sidewall.

Properly inflated tyres also last longer — under-inflation reduces tyre life by up to 15% and increases the risk of blowouts at highway speeds.

Reducing vehicle weight and drag

Every 50 kg of extra weight reduces fuel efficiency by about 1-2%. Clear out your boot — old sports equipment, emergency supplies that haven't been used in months, and accumulated items add up. Remove roof racks when not in use (they increase aerodynamic drag by 20-40% at highway speeds).

Using air conditioning at moderate settings rather than maximum also helps — AC compressor load can reduce fuel efficiency by 5-10%, but rolling down windows at high speeds creates more drag than AC usage.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Use the fuel grade recommended by your manufacturer. Premium fuel doesn't give better mileage in cars designed for regular fuel, but using a lower grade than recommended can reduce efficiency and cause engine knock.