How to Increase Mileage of Thar?

When you buy a Mahindra Thar, mileage probably isn’t the first thing on your mind; it's all about the stance, its off-road prowess, and the freedom to go where roads can’t take you. But let’s be honest, once the fuel bills start stacking up, even the most hardcore Thar owners start wondering if they can get a few more kilometres out of those litres of fuel.

No matter which variant you drive, the Thar's mileage depends on more than just engine specs. It's the little things that matter. In this blog, we’ll go over some practical tweaks that can help you get the most out of every tank, without dulling the Thar’s adventure-ready spirit.

Thar ARAI Mileage

The ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) mileage is the fuel efficiency reading under lab conditions. Here are the ARAI figures for Thar mileage: 

• Petrol Manual: Approximately 12.4 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic: Approximately 10.2 kmpl
• Diesel Manual: Approximately 15.2 kmpl
• Diesel Automatic: Approximately 13 kmpl

Remember that these figures are calculated in a controlled laboratory environment. The actual Thar Mileage depends on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance.

Thar City Mileage

In city driving, Thar's fuel efficiency is generally less than ARAI ratings due to stop-and-go traffic, idling at traffic lights, and frequent gear shifting. Here’s how much you can expect: 

• Petrol Manual: 9-10 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic: 8-9 kmpl
• Diesel Manual: 11-12 kmpl
• Diesel Automatic: 10-11 kmpl

Factors Affecting Thar City Mileage

Mileage takes a major hit when driving in the city, particularly when you're working with a large, muscular SUV like the Mahindra Thar. Here are some common factors that lower the Thar mileage in the city: 

1. Stop-and-Go Traffic 

Bumper-to-bumper traffic means holding down the brake and accelerator pedals in short succession. Braking and accelerating this frequently puts more stress on the engine and decreases mileage.

2. Air Conditioning Use

Cruising without AC in city heat is not easy, but it does have a price. Keeping the AC turned on always, particularly while crawling in traffic, puts a huge burden on the engine.

3. Your Driving Style

Sudden acceleration, rapid overtakes, and jerky braking not only wear out components, but they also make your engine work harder and burn more fuel.

4. Tyre Pressure 

Underinflated tyres increase the contact area with the road, which increases the rolling resistance. This makes your engine work harder to maintain the pace even at low speeds. 

5. Clutch Riding

Many drivers keep their foot lightly pressed on the clutch pedal, especially in slow-moving traffic. This habit lowers the mileage and wears the clutch faster.

Improving Thar City Mileage

You can make a few changes to get better Thar mileage in city conditions:

1. Plan Your Routes

Use Google Maps to check traffic and choose the least congested routes.

2. Don't Idle

Turn off the engine at prolonged traffic intervals to save fuel.

3. Gentle Acceleration

Accelerate gradually and shift gears smoothly to minimise fuel use.

4. Right Tyre Pressure

Check tyre pressure every week or two and match it to the manufacturer-specified levels.

5. Remove Excess Load

Take out unnecessary loads such as roof racks, heavy equipment, or redundant accessories.

6. Use Higher Gears Judiciously

After the vehicle gains speed, shift to higher gears to decrease the engine RPM and save fuel.

Thar Highway Mileage

On highways, Thar delivers better mileage with constant speeds and less braking. Here’s what you typically get: 

• Petrol Manual: 12-13 kmpl
• Petrol Automatic: 11-12 kmpl
• Diesel Manual: 14-15.5 kmpl
• Diesel Automatic: 13-14.5 kmpl

These values can change based on the speed at which you drive and how loaded the car is.

Factors That Impact Thar Highway Mileage

Even on the highway, there are many factors that influence how much mileage you get: 

1. Excessive Speeds

Exceeding 100–110 km/h adds air resistance and decreases fuel efficiency.

2. Overtaking Too Much

Too much overtaking and downshifting can disrupt the smooth flow and consume more fuel.

3. Roof Racks or Carriers

These add drag, particularly at higher speeds, and result in lower mileage.

4. Tyre Type and Size

Wider off-road tyres cause more friction and resistance.

5. Engine Load

Accommodating more passengers or a loaded boot adds weight that the engine has to drag.

Increasing Thar Highway Mileage

To achieve optimum Thar Mileage on highway driving, follow these helpful tips:

1. Drive Steady

Drive steadily at 80–100 km/h for best fuel efficiency.

2. Cruise Control

If your Thar comes equipped with cruise control, use it on highways to maintain a stable pace.

3. No Sudden Brakes

Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you to avoid abrupt braking.

4. Drive in Higher Gears

When driving on highways, stay in higher gears to reduce the engine RPM.

5. Service Your Car Before Long Journeys

Clean air filters, adequate engine oil, and well-tuned engines guarantee optimum performance.

Summary

Improving the mileage, whether it's a new or used Thar, involves a combination of smart driving habits, proper maintenance, and understanding of how city and highway conditions influence performance. Although you cannot change the rugged, off-road nature of the Thar, you can definitely adopt these easy practices to reduce the fuel costs.