Why Your Fuel Economy Takes a Hit in Monsoons and How to Fix It
Mumbai monsoons are enchanting — but not always for your gas mileage.
And if you’ve seen that your car is guzzling more petrol in the rain, you’re not alone. Rain can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency due to the water on the roads and increased traffic.
We help Mumbaikars get to know their car better at MyFNG - and we are here to shed some light on why this occurs and what to do about it.
Why Your Car’s Fuel Economy Drops in the Monsoons
a) Waterlogged Road = More Fuel Burned: Negotiating the water-logged city streets of Mumbai, which are a common feature of the city’s monsoon season, also adds rolling resistance.
Your engine needs to work harder to move the car through standing water, and this uses more petrol than normal. That resistance is akin to running with ankle weights — you slow down and tire sooner.
b) Heavy Traffic and Idling: Monsoon on the roads is a torture. And with more closed roads and slower-moving traffic, you spend more time idling or crawling — conditions that murder your car’s mileage. In stop-and-go traffic, we burn fuel without effectively propelling the car forward.
c) Use of Wipers, Lights & AC: Monsoon = poor visibility. In other words, your car’s electrical systems, such as the headlights, wipers and defogger, are constantly operating.
Throw in a constantly running air conditioner (who needs that muggy odour?), and your fuel efficiency goes way down.” These systems draw power from the engine, indirectly impacting fuel efficiency.
d) Low Tyre Pressure: During monsoon in Mumbai, roads can be tough on tyres. Cold, wet weather deflates tyre pressure, and under-inflated tyres create higher level of drag.
More drag = more fuel burned. It seems trivial but unchecked, this small problem can have a big effect on your car's mileage.
e) Wet Brakes and Inefficient Braking: Your brakes are working harder in the rain. And wet brake pads don’t grab as readily, meaning you have to press harder.
Over time, this influences the way your car drinks fuel after you slow down and speed up.
How to Improve Fuel Efficiency During the Monsoons
At MyFNG, we connect you with the best car service centres in Mumbai to keep your vehicle monsoon-ready. Here’s what you can do to fight the monsoon mileage dip:
a) Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
Check your tyre pressure once a week during the rains. Use a reliable pressure gauge or visit a MyFNG-certified workshop near you for a quick check. Most cars lose 1–2 PSI in cold or wet weather.
Maintaining the recommended PSI improves grip and reduces rolling resistance.
Pro Tip: Go for monsoon-friendly tyres if you drive frequently during the season—they offer better traction and fuel economy.
b) Get an Engine Tune-Up
A sluggish engine is a fuel guzzler. Dirty spark plugs, clogged filters, or delayed ignition can reduce combustion efficiency.
Regular engine tuning helps improve power delivery, throttle response, and overall fuel economy. Book your engine tuning service in Mumbai through MyFNG for expert diagnostics and quick service.
c) Use Your AC Smartly
Yes, you need the AC to defog your windows—but don’t overuse it. Switch off the AC when it’s not required, especially on open roads. Also, avoid driving with windows down in humid weather—it creates aerodynamic drag. Strike a balance for optimal fuel savings.
d) Get Brake Pads Checked
Monsoons are tough on your brakes. Wet pads mean delayed response and increased braking distance.
Worn-out or unresponsive brakes affect your driving patterns, indirectly lowering fuel efficiency.
Ask your local MyFNG mechanic for a monsoon brake check to ensure optimal performance.
e) Clean Air Filters Regularly
Moisture and dust in the monsoon can choke your air filter, restricting airflow to the engine. A choked filter means your engine has to work harder and use more fuel.
Clean or replace your air filters every 3,000–5,000 km or as recommended by your service expert.
Monsoon-Ready Car Services That Save Fuel
MyFNG’s network of trusted garages across Mumbai offers affordable car maintenance packages tailored for the monsoons. Here’s what you should consider booking:
i) Monsoon Car Health Check-Up
This includes battery inspection, brake check, wiper blade replacement, tyre alignment, headlight inspection, and underbody cleaning.
A comprehensive checkup ensures your car’s systems work efficiently, reducing unnecessary strain on the engine.
ii) Periodic Engine Oil Change
Monsoon humidity can degrade engine oil faster. Fresh engine oil reduces friction, cools your engine better, and improves fuel efficiency.
Get your oil changed at an FNG near you to keep your engine running smoothly.
iii) Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Improper alignment increases rolling resistance and impacts mileage. Mumbai potholes can mess up alignment overnight. Get it corrected every 5,000 km or if your car starts pulling to one side.
Driving Habits That Make a Difference
Sometimes, the biggest change starts with you. Adopt these simple habits to improve mileage:
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Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
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Shift gears early: Especially in manual cars, early upshifting reduces fuel usage.
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Avoid revving the engine in water: It’s tempting, but unnecessary revving burns fuel and risks engine damage.
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Limit short trips: Cold engines use more fuel. Combine errands if possible.
Final Thoughts
Monsoon weather is a reality in Mumbai, and so is reduced fuel economy. But with a few smart tweaks in car maintenance and driving habits, you can keep your mileage from draining your wallet.
At MyFNG, we help you find the most trusted and budget-friendly car service providers in Mumbai, so your car stays healthy, efficient, and rain-ready. Book your next monsoon service with us and feel the difference - on the road and in your fuel tank.
Need Help? We’re Just a Tap Away!
Book your next car service in Mumbai with MyFNG and let certified professionals handle everything from tyre pressure checks to monsoon-proof tune-ups.
Stay safe. Drive smart. Save fuel.