The short answer
Plan your fuel stops instead of adding tanks. On tested economy, a full 40 litre tank gives roughly 400 to 540 km, and less when loaded, in low range or at altitude. A bigger tank is a modification in India, and carrying fuel in cans is restricted and risky.
Better
- Plan fuel stops with a generous margin
- Fill up whenever you pass a pump on remote legs
- Drive gently, and keep the load light
- Ask locals about pumps that are closed or dry
Risky
- Fitting a long-range tank without approval
- Using unapproved jerry cans
- Carrying fuel inside the cabin
- Trusting the claimed fuel economy
Your real range
Maruti claims about 16.4 to 16.9 km/l, but tested figures are around 10 km/l in the city and 13.5 km/l on the highway. Loaded, in low range, in sand or at altitude, the number falls further.
| Economy (km/l) | Full tank | With a 10% reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 320 km | 288 km |
| 10 | 400 km | 360 km |
| 12 | 480 km | 432 km |
| 14 | 560 km | 504 km |
Long-range tanks
A larger or auxiliary tank changes the fuel system and the underbody. In India, that is a modification away from the approved specification, so Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act and your insurance and warranty are all in play. It is also a safety question, because tanks and lines are exposed to rocks and need correct venting and mounting.
For most Jimny trips in India, planning fuel stops is cheaper, safer and legal.
Carrying fuel in cans
- Rules are strict and uneven. Several states restrict or prohibit selling petrol in loose containers, and one state order cited the Petroleum Act and Petroleum Rules.
- Pumps may refuse. Owners report attendants turning people away, while in very remote areas attendants sometimes help.
- Accessory-shop cans may not be approved. One owner warns that many jerry cans on sale are not legal.
- It is dangerous. Fuel vapour in a car's cabin is a fire and health risk. If you must, use an approved container, carry it outside the cabin where possible, and keep it secured and shaded.
Planning instead
- Know the distance between pumps, and check that they are open and have fuel
- Fill up at every sensible stop on remote legs
- One blogger says Spiti needs no spare fuel, and lists Leh, Karu, Diskit and Tangste as Ladakh's key pumps, so check current information
- Drive smoothly, lower your load, and keep tires at the right pressure
- Carry a way to contact help if you run dry
Pick your trip
Tap the kind of trip to see a sensible fuel plan.
Tap a trip (5 to try)
Fuel plan for Weekend near towns
- Fuel plan
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- Details
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Common mistakes
- Trusting the claimed economy. Real figures are well below it.
- Fitting a tank without a check. It is a modification with rule, safety and warranty issues.
- Carrying fuel in unapproved cans. It is restricted and dangerous.
- Carrying fuel in the cabin. Fumes are a fire and health risk.
- Planning to the last litre. Always keep a reserve.
- Assuming pumps are open. Check before long remote legs.