When you first bought your car—whether it was a Hyundai Creta, i20, or Venue—you likely tracked your mileage closely. And for the first few months, it probably matched what the brochure promised. But now, after a year of regular use, you’re noticing a drop in fuel efficiency. Sounds familiar?
It’s not just in your head—many car owners experience a decline in mileage over time, and it’s usually due to a combination of driving habits, maintenance neglect, or hidden issues under the hood.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons your car mileage drops after a year, how to fix them, and when to consult your service advisor to get back on track.
1. Delayed or Irregular Servicing
One of the most overlooked reasons for declining mileage is skipping regular servicing. Over time, your engine oil thickens, filters clog, spark plugs wear out, and fuel injectors lose efficiency. These issues force your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Solution:
Stick to Hyundai’s recommended Periodic Maintenance Schedule (PMS). Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks help your engine run efficiently.
2. Driving Habits That Drain Fuel
Do you accelerate aggressively? Brake suddenly? Idle the car for long periods with the AC on? You might be surprised to learn how much fuel these habits consume. Even frequent short trips can reduce mileage, as the engine doesn’t get enough time to reach optimal temperature.
Solution:
Adopt smoother acceleration, use cruise control when possible, and avoid excessive idling. Small changes in behavior can boost mileage significantly.
3. Incorrect Tyre Pressure
Driving with underinflated tyres increases rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. On the other hand, overinflated tyres can reduce grip and safety. Both scenarios negatively impact fuel economy.
Solution:
Check tyre pressure every 2 weeks and maintain the level recommended in your Hyundai owner’s manual. Always check when tyres are cold.
4. Clogged Air Filters
Your engine needs air to burn fuel efficiently. If the air filter is dirty or blocked, the air-fuel mixture becomes unbalanced, causing poor combustion and reduced mileage.
Solution:
Every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers, or more frequently if you drive in a dusty region, change the air filter.
5. Fuel Quality Issues
Filling up at random fuel stations or using poor-quality fuel can lead to carbon build-up, clogged injectors, and even long-term engine damage.
Solution:
Use high-quality fuel from reputed petrol stations. Avoid fuel adulteration by choosing pumps with digital meters and transparent practices.
6. Worn-Out Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are critical for igniting the fuel-air mixture inside your engine. Worn or faulty spark plugs lead to incomplete combustion, which reduces power and fuel economy.
Solution:
Get spark plugs checked every 20,000–30,000 km. Replacing them on time ensures smoother engine performance and better mileage.
7. Dragging Brakes or Misaligned Wheels
If your brake pads are dragging slightly or your wheel alignment is off, your car faces resistance as it moves. This forces the engine to use more power, thus more fuel.
Solution:
Get your brakes and alignment checked during regular servicing. Poor alignment not only affects mileage but also causes uneven tyre wear.
8. Carrying Unnecessary Load
A heavier vehicle consumes more fuel. Many car owners unknowingly carry extra weight in the form of tools, accessories, or even roof racks that increase air drag.
Solution:
Remove items you don’t need and avoid using roof carriers unless necessary. Lighter load = better mileage.
9. ECU or Sensor Malfunction
Modern Hyundai cars are controlled by an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and multiple sensors (oxygen sensor, MAF sensor, etc.). If these components malfunction, your fuel injection system may deliver the wrong air-fuel ratio.
Solution:
If your check engine light is on or you suspect poor performance, get a diagnostic scan done at an authorized Hyundai service center.
Where to Go?
If you’re based in Noida or the NCR region, visit DS Automobile, an authorized Hyundai service center in Sector 58. Known for its expert technicians, transparent pricing, and use of genuine parts, DS Automobile is trusted by thousands of Hyundai owners. Whether it’s a drop in mileage or overall performance, their team can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue—getting your car back to peak efficiency.