Your car has one engine but two personalities: crawling through Lahore traffic and cruising the M-2. Understanding why mileage nearly doubles on the motorway helps you drive smarter on both.
Why city driving is expensive
Every start from a red light drinks fuel. Add AC, weight, and short trips where the engine never warms up, and you can lose 30–40% of your rated mileage.
The motorway sweet spot
Most Pakistani sedans hit peak mileage between 80 and 100 km/h in top gear. Above 110 km/h aerodynamic drag rises sharply — you lose 10–15% mileage going from 100 to 120 km/h.
Cruise control and coast
If your car has cruise control, use it. Steady throttle is more efficient than the human foot. On downhills, let it coast in gear rather than braking then re-accelerating.
Weather and load
Rain and headwinds cost 5–10% mileage. A fully loaded family boot costs another 3–5%. Plan long trips light and early morning.