How to Improve Gas Mileage in a 1992 Ford Ranger
Unlike full-sized pickup trucks, Ford Rangers are more compact and generally provide better gas mileage. In 1992, Rangers were offered in an assortment of engine types, including a 4.0, 3.0 and 2.9 liter six-cylinder as well as a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine. Ultimately, whether you own a more fuel-efficient 2.3 liter or the more powerful 4.0 liter, there are a variety of ways you can improve the mileage in your 1992 Ranger.
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Instructions
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Remove unnecessary accessories from your Ranger. While it is always nice to personalize your truck, extra features translate to extra weight and lower gas mileage. Therefore, if you have a toolbox in the bed, step bars, heavy aftermarket wheels or oversized tires, remove them to get better fuel mileage.
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Drive your 1992 Ranger with the tailgate up. It is a common misconception that removing the tailgate or driving with the tailgate down will improve the truck's aerodynamics. This is not true. The tailgate actually helps decrease the drag on the truck by causing a bubble of swirling air to form behind the cab.
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Drive your Ranger at the posted speed limits and avoid aggressive driving. Every mile per hour you travel over 65 greatly decreases your fuel efficiency. You'll also negatively impact gas mileage by rapidly accelerating and slamming on your brakes. Speed up slowly and anticipate your stops. You'll also find it helpful to use cruise control (if equipped) while on long stretches of highway.
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Perform regular, routine maintenance on your 1992 Ford Ranger. Change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Consider replacing your old oil with a good synthetic as it helps to better decrease friction in the engine. Also replace your air and fuel filters as needed. Dirty filters will only make your engine work that much harder and burn more gas. Finally, check your tires and make sure that they're fully inflated. Look in your owner's manual or on the sidewall of your tires to find the suggested pressure and keep them at that level.
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Consolidate your trips when you're out running errands. Plan ahead of time and determine a route that will take you all of the places you need to go in the least amount of miles. Also consider using routes that avoid city driving and multiple stop lights. Utilize flat stretches of highway when possible, avoiding overly hilly or mountainous terrain.
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References
- Photo Credit gas pump image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
