With fuel prices climbing and India’s FY25 GDP growth projected at a robust 6.5%, every rupee saved at the pump counts. Whether you’re cruising on a bike or commuting in a car, optimizing fuel efficiency is easier than you think. Here are five actionable tips to stretch your mileage and keep your wallet happy.

1. Smooth Riding
Aggressive driving burns fuel fast. By avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking, you can save 10-15% on fuel. For bikes like the TVS Apache, a steady throttle keeps the engine humming efficiently, while cars like the Tata Nexon reward gentle inputs with better mileage. Ease into rides—it’s kinder to your vehicle and your budget.

2. Lighten the Load
Extra weight drags efficiency down. In cars, every 50 kg reduces fuel economy by about 2%. Ditch that unused gym bag or spare tools cluttering your trunk. On bikes, skip the bulky extras—your Hero Splendor doesn’t need the load, and neither does your fuel bill.

3. Tyre TLC
Under-inflated tyres are silent fuel guzzlers, increasing consumption by up to 5%. Regular checks—especially for city scooters battling potholes—keep them rolling efficiently. Inflate to the manufacturer’s specs (check your manual), and you’ll notice the difference at the pump.

4. Idle Less
Idling at long signals wastes fuel—up to 0.5-1 liter per hour in cars like the Hyundai Creta. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for over a minute. On bikes, it’s less common, but the habit still saves. It’s a small tweak with big returns.

5. Use the Right Gear
Shifting gears smartly keeps your engine in its sweet spot. On bikes like the Hero Splendor, upshift early to avoid over-revving. Cars benefit too—stay in the power band, not the red zone. It’s all about efficiency without the strain.

Rising costs don’t have to hit hard. These universal hacks tie into India’s economic pulse, offering practical ways to save fuel and ride smarter.