Does Traffic Really Affect Car Mileage? Here’s What You Need to Know

With increasing congestion in Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, the question often arises: Does traffic impact fuel efficiency? The answer is yes. Urban driving conditions, particularly during peak hours, reduce a vehicle’s mileage compared to highway driving. Here’s a breakdown of why that happens and what drivers need to keep in mind.

How Traffic Lowers Mileage

In ideal conditions, such as driving at 60 to 80 km/h on an open highway, your car burns fuel efficiently. But in city traffic, where you are constantly braking, idling, and crawling forward in first or second gear, fuel efficiency takes a significant hit.

Modern petrol and diesel engines consume fuel even when the car is idling. This means every red light, every 10-minute jam at a signal, and every slow-moving stretch is burning fuel without covering any real distance. Your car might be on, but it is barely moving, and your fuel tank is steadily draining.

Automatic vs Manual: Which Suffers More?

In heavy traffic, automatic cars often perform worse in terms of mileage. This is because automatics continuously adjust gears based on speed and load, and frequent stop-start driving makes them work harder. Manual cars give drivers more control, so with proper clutch and gear timing, it is possible to achieve better fuel economy in congested conditions.

That said, newer AMTs (Automated Manual Transmissions) and CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions) have become more intelligent and fuel-efficient. However, they still typically fall short of the efficiency a skilled driver can extract from a manual transmission in tightly packed traffic.

AC On or Off: Does It Matter?

Yes, especially during Indian summers. Running the AC places an additional load on the engine. In traffic, where engine RPM is already low, this results in increased fuel consumption to maintain both cabin comfort and engine operation. If you’re idling with the AC on (as most of us do), you can expect a noticeable drop in mileage, typically between 5% and 20%, depending on the car model and engine capacity.

Real-World Example

Let’s take the example of an SUV rated at 16 km/litre under standard test conditions. In urban driving with moderate traffic, you can typically expect around 10 to 12 km/litre. However, in severe congestion, such as daily gridlock on Mumbai’s Western Express Highway or Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road, mileage can drop further, often dipping below 9 km/litre.

This drop occurs because the engine spends more time idling, operating at low speeds, and frequently shifting gears, all of which increase fuel consumption without delivering proportional distance coverage. The larger engine size and added weight of an SUV also mean more fuel is needed to move the vehicle, especially in stop-and-go conditions.

What Can You Do to Improve Mileage in Traffic?

Here are a few simple tips:

• Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than 60 seconds.
• Accelerate and brake smoothly to avoid wasting fuel.
• Keep tyre pressure at the recommended level to reduce rolling resistance.
• Avoid resting your foot on the clutch in manual cars.
• Use the start-stop feature if your car has it.
• Limit AC usage when possible, especially at low speeds.
• Use traffic apps to plan routes and avoid congested areas.
• Remove unnecessary weight from the car and avoid roof carriers unless needed.

Final Word

Yes, traffic does eat into your car’s mileage, sometimes significantly, even if you are driving one of the best mileage SUVs or hatchbacks. In a country like India, where traffic congestion is a daily reality for millions, understanding how it affects your fuel economy can help you take simple steps to save both fuel and money. The next time you are inching forward on a crowded road, remember that smooth and careful driving is not just good for your car, it is good for your wallet as well.

Along with smart driving habits, investing in a fuel-efficient vehicle can make a noticeable difference. The Citroën Basalt is quickly becoming a popular choice in its segment and is often considered among the best mileage SUV coupés in India. The Citroën Basalt mileage is rated at 18.7 km/l, which is impressive for its class. It also comes equipped with features such as an advanced Start/Stop system, Hill Hold Control, six airbags, a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom, and Citroën’s signature Flying Carpet ride quality. Visit the official website to book a test drive and experience it for yourself.