ALT-5 Ways to Increase your Trucks Gas Mileage
George Carlin once said, "Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers." As fuel prices sky-rocket, consumers are trying to find the most effective ways to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. To make matters worse, there are many products on the market that claim to increase gas mileage in vehicles, but that are often a waste of money.
Truck owners are particularly effected by high fuel prices and false advertising claims. Fortunately, a truck's fuel efficiency can be increased by implementing practical gas saving strategies (as outlined below) and performing certain modifications. Here are 5 practical ways to save gas in your truck:
1. KEEP YOUR TRUCK MAINTAINED
Routine maintenance, such as checking your 02 sensors, replacing air and fuel filters, and changing your oil, goes a long way when it comes to saving gas. For example, fixing a serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can increase your mileage by as much as 40%.
Use synthetic oil when you change your oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer and reduces friction, which increases horsepower and gas mileage. It can wind up increasing a trucks mpg by 5%.
2. CHECK YOUR TIRES
Keeping your tires properly inflated can increase your gas mileage by as much as 3.3 %. Under-inflated tires creates drag that reduces gas mileage by 0.4% for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.
3. DRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLY
Aggressive driving, (such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking) can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds and by 5% at city speeds. Avoid excessive idling, especially since trucks have large engines and thus waste more gas than other vehicles.
Find your truck's optimum speed and hit the cruise control. Most trucks are fuel efficient when they are between 55 mph and 60mph. Keep in mind that for every 5 mph you drive over your optimum speed, you are paying an additional $0.20- $0.25 per gallon.
4. BE MINDFUL OF AERODYNAMICS
Some truck owners may roll their eyes at people who say rolling their windows down can waste gas, and they are partly right, but could benefit with a lesson in aerodynamics. Aerodynamics do not have to be taken into account at slow speeds but are very important at high speeds, like when driving on the highway. Aerodynamics also effect large vehicles, like trucks, more than smaller vehicles.
So when you are driving at high speeds, roll up those windows. Also avoid placing cargo racks on top of your truck. Tailgates can also create a drag, so use a truck bed cover or open your tailgate (as long as there is nothing that can fall out).
5. KNOW HOW AND WHERE TO PUMP GAS
Use the manufacturer recommended gas for your truck. When you fill up with gas, fill up completely and keep your tank over one third full so that the engine receives a steady supply of gas. Also, be aware of your local gas prices. Fuel prices change frequently and may vary by as much as 20%. Check out websites, such as GasBuddy.com, to find the best prices in your area.
TRUCK MODIFICATIONS
Modifications, such as cold air intakes, free flow exhaust systems, and computer programmers can all help improve gas mileage because they increase the power of your vehicle.
Before you consider these options, think about what your primary goals are. If your main goal is to increase your trucks overall gas mileage, then you are on the right track. However, if your goal is to save fuel in order to save money, then you must take into account the costs of any modifications. As gas prices continue to rise, you may see a return sooner than you would expect.
1. Cold Air Intake Systems
Stock air boxes are only meant to work at the optimal range for your engine. Replacing the air filter will not only increase horsepower, but will also decrease your fuel consumption.
Cold air intake systems work in two main ways. First of all, they allow more air into the engine, which then produces more power. Also, they usually have a divider that separates the air filter from the heat of the engine. The cooler the air is, the more dense it becomes, and dense air lets the fuel injectors supply more fuel to the engine, which then increases the engines power.
2. Free Flow Exhaust Systems
A free flow exhaust system uses the combination of mufflers and tailpipes in order to make a vehicle run quieter without restricting the exhaust flow. This can improve performance and fuel economy.
This modification is often overlooked, because by itself, will not do much. However, when combined with the cold air intake system, there will be a noticeable increase in gas mileage.
3. Computer Programmers
A plug-in programmer or replacement chip can change computer settings to help improve fuel mileage and performance.
There are many methods to increase fuel efficiency. Truck maintenance and efficient driving are very important ways to increase gas mileage. If consumers want to take their gas saving efforts to the next level, they should consider truck modifications. As always, consumers should do as much research as possible and keep their goals in mind when deciding what the best options are.
Sources: www.GasBuddy.com, www.DailyFuelEconomyTip.com, www.About.com, www.fueleconomy.gov, www.wikihow.com,
