Garages & service centres say uptick in demand for increased vehicle mileage

Pune: Garage owners and service centres in the city have reported a surge in the number of people approaching them and requesting for an increase in the mileage of their vehicles.

Mohammad Shafiq Shaikh said it started some three weeks ago. “People bring their bikes and scooters, most of them quite old, with just one request — ‘Mileage badha do’ (increase the mileage). A lot of them aren’t even our regular customers. Some have been riding vehicles without servicing them for months, but are now concerned about fuel consumption. Earlier, I used to see around 30-35 bikes that needed major servicing in a week. The number has gone up to 45-50,” he said.

The spike comes amid a sharp rise in fuel prices over the last month. Higher running costs have prompted many vehicle owners to realise that poor maintenance could add to their expenses. Resultantly, they want improved mileage.

Lohegaon resident Rahul Jadhav, a private sector employee, said rising fuel costs pushed him to get his vehicle serviced. “My two-wheeler is nearly 10 years old and its mileage has dropped gradually. I haven’t been regular with servicing. I spend Rs600-Rs700 on fuel in a week now. When prices were stable, the burden wasn’t noticeable. I’ve sent my vehicle for a complete check and specifically told the mechanic to clean the spark plugs, air filter and carburettor,” he said.

The current cost of petrol in Pune is Rs111.52 per litre after the fourth price hike since May 25, while diesel is Rs98.15 per litre. CNG rates have gone up sharply to Rs94.75 per kg.

Virmeet Singh Maini, president of the Poona Automobile Dealers Association, said demand for spare parts in the retail market has increased too. “There is a definite uptick in demand, but spare parts supplies are under pressure. Manufacturers are facing challenges linked to the geopolitical situation. A major issue is also manpower shortage as many workers have been forced to return to their hometowns amid rising LPG prices. This has increased spare parts costs and affected mechanics and garage owners. The situation is tight and remains a concern,” he said.

Dinker Ubale, senior mechanic and supervisor at a two-wheeler service centre in Camp, said servicing costs have risen significantly. “Basic servicing, including an oil change, cost around Rs850 earlier. It costs about Rs1,000 now, excluding spare parts. Prices of components have also increased. A spark plug that earlier cost Rs100-Rs300 is selling at Rs350-Rs450. Engine oil used in basic servicing costing around Rs350 is around Rs425, at present,” he said.

However, mechanics cautioned that servicing alone cannot improve fuel efficiency dramatically. “Regular maintenance and replacing worn-out parts can help, but customers shouldn’t expect miracles. Mileage also depends on driving habits and vehicle condition. Maintaining correct tyre pressure, avoiding overloading and sudden braking, warming up the engine, driving smoothly and reducing short trips — all make a difference. Ultimately, as vehicles age, fuel efficiency declines naturally,” said Mukhtar Shaikh, who owns a two-wheeler service centre in Hadapsar.

A representative of New Poona Auto Car Garage in Wanowrie said mileage-related enquiries have become common. “Some customers, who recently serviced their vehicles, are calling to ask how to improve mileage. Usually, we recommend vehicle tuning, which costs around Rs1,200. A full car service costs around Rs8,000, but prices continue to rise because spare parts are becoming expensive. For instance, engine oil for four-wheelers that used to cost Rs1,000 is nearly Rs1,200,” he added.