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Step 1
Get rid of unnecessary loads on a truck. Getting rid of unnecessary items in the truck, including anything on a hitch, can greatly improve gas mileage. Keeping unneeded items in the truck can decrease gas mileage as much as 15-20% on most newer models and 30% or more on older models. Store unneeded items in a garage or other safe storage. Unhook a trailer, if it is unnecessary.
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Step 2
Get a routine tune up on the truck. Getting a tune up can improve gas mileage by 20% or more. Not having a regular tune up can cause low spark in the spark plugs, thus requiring the truck's engine to have to take in more gas to compensate for the lack of spark. A tune up at least once per year is recommended. This may vary depending on the model of the truck, spark plugs and age of the engine. Also, getting a regular tune up can add more power to your truck.
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Step 3
Keep tires rotated and properly inflated. Improperly inflated tires or tires that aren't rotated can put more strain on a truck's engine therefore lowering gas mileage by at least 15-20%. It is recommended that tires stay properly inflated. If a tire is always going flat, change it as soon as possible. Also, rotate the tires every 5,000-10,000 miles.
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Step 4
Drive the speed limit. Some trucks were made for high performance, however, driving the speed limit can save gas. Any speed over 60 mph can lower gas mileage.
Comments
brad92 said
on 3/9/2009 Step 3 is wrong because if you are off by 5 psi on your tires, it is only a 4% decrease. To get a 15 to 20% decrease would be like driving with flat tires. Step 2 helps on older vehicles but most newer vehicles don't need tune ups and spark plugs for over 100,000 miles. My resources are from Car and Driver.