The Truth Behind Mileage Claims: What You Need to Know

When buying a new car in India, one of the first things most buyers ask is, “Kitna deti hai?”—meaning, how much mileage does it give? Fuel efficiency plays a major role in a buyer’s decision, especially in a country where fuel prices are high and people often drive long distances. Car companies advertise attractive mileage numbers, but are these figures always accurate? Let’s uncover the truth behind mileage claims and what you should really know.

What Is Mileage?

Mileage, also known as fuel efficiency, refers to how far a car can travel using one litre of fuel. It is usually expressed in kilometres per litre (km/l). A car with higher mileage consumes less fuel for the same distance, making it more economical to run.

However, the mileage you see in advertisements or brochures is not always what you experience on the road. That’s because these figures are obtained under ideal test conditions that are very different from real-world driving.

How Mileage Is Measured

In India, fuel efficiency is certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Car manufacturers submit their vehicles to ARAI, where they are tested on a dynamometer—a machine that simulates road driving in a controlled lab environment. These tests follow a specific driving cycle that includes standard acceleration, deceleration, idling, and gear changes.

While these test conditions are uniform and fair for comparing different models, they do not reflect real-life situations. There is no traffic, no potholes, no air conditioning, and no unpredictable driver behavior. As a result, the mileage figure certified by ARAI is often 5 to 25% higher than what you may get in daily use.

Real-World Factors That Affect Mileage

There are several reasons why your car’s mileage may be lower than the claimed number:

1. Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration, sudden braking, and over-speeding consume more fuel.

2. Traffic Conditions: Frequent stops, idling in jams, and slow-moving traffic reduce fuel efficiency.

3. AC Usage: Air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, affecting mileage.

4. Road Conditions: Bad roads, hilly terrains, and rough surfaces make engines work harder.

5. Vehicle Load: More passengers and luggage increase weight, reducing fuel economy.

6. Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, lowering efficiency.

7. Fuel Quality: Low-quality or adulterated fuel can harm engine performance and efficiency.

All these factors mean that the mileage you get may vary widely—even between two drivers using the same car.

City vs. Highway Mileage

Another thing to remember is that cars usually give different mileage on highways and in city conditions. On open highways, where you can drive smoothly at consistent speeds, fuel efficiency is usually higher. In stop-and-go city traffic, mileage drops sharply. That’s why you may see two different figures quoted—like “20 km/l on highways and 15 km/l in the city.”

Tips to Improve Real Mileage

While you can’t control everything, here are some tips to get closer to your car’s best possible mileage:

Drive smoothly without hard acceleration or braking.

Avoid unnecessary idling.

Keep your tyres properly inflated.

Service your car regularly.

Use high-quality fuel and engine oil.

Plan routes to avoid heavy traffic.

Mileage claims by manufacturers are not false—but they are often ideal numbers, not realistic ones. These figures serve as a benchmark but should not be the only factor in choosing a car. It’s better to talk to actual users, check real-world reviews, and test drive the car yourself.

Understanding the truth behind mileage claims can help you set the right expectations and make smarter buying decisions. After all, a car’s real worth isn’t just in how far it goes per litre—but how well it fits your daily life.