4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Truck’s Gas Mileage

If you're not able to purchase a new truck this year that gets better gas mileage than your present rig there are still several things you can do to save on gas now.

With the extended life that you can get from most new motor oils, checking and changing your engine oil is still one of the most overlooked simple maintenance items. This is especially important with an older truck because clean oil reduces the friction between moving parts extending the life of your engine. And clean oil also assures that your engine will run cleaner, free from harmful deposits in the combustion chambers and on the valves, all of which means that your engine will operate at top efficiency. Auto technicians say that you can boost your gas mileage by up to 10% by changing your oil, air and fuel filters at least every 5,000 miles.

1. Use the lowest octane gasoline that you can without your truck pinging on acceleration. Premium fuel will not boost your truck's economy or its performance. Leaving the premium gasoline pump handle in the pump could save you hundreds of dollars a year without harming your truck in any way. Be sure to tighten your gas cap when you fill up. Give it a few extra clicks to be sure. Gasoline will evaporate from your tank if the filler cap is even slightly loose. According to the Car Care Council 147 million gallons of gasoline evaporate into thin air each year. This is about the easiest thing you can do to increase your fuel economy and save some money at the same time.

2. Check your tires at least once a month to make sure they are inflated to the proper air pressure. You can improve your gasoline mileage by another 3% just by being vigilant. If you don't know the proper air pressure you can check the owner's manual or look at the label inside the door trim on the driver's side.

3. How you drive will also affect your fuel economy. Unnecessary idling is a huge gas waster. Running your engine hard between stoplights and then slamming on the brakes does not help either. Start and stop as gently and as smoothly as you can. Use cruise control whenever it is safe to do so, and of course, reduce the number of trip you make each day if you can.

4. If you do a fair amount of highway driving a truck bed cover, also called a tonneau cover, will reduce drag and make your truck more aerodynamic. Truck bed covers are made of heavy-duty double coated vinyl and they can be installed quickly and easily with clamp-on installation. Get one designed specifically for your truck. Since most covers will rollup and lock you can also use it to protect your gear when you are away from the truck. When you have a big load that needs the entire bed you can easily take it out and put it back in when you want.

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