How to Improve an F-150's MPG

Fuel economy is of the essence when driving for long stretches.

In a day and age of rising gas prices and increased commutes, fuel economy is of the essence. That holds true for owners of Ford F-150 truck models, which get good gas mileage compared to other mid-to-large-sized trucks---approximately 15 MPG city, 20 MPG highway in new models---but still feature areas for improvement in terms of how drivers can save fuel on their trucks.

Instructions

1. Inflate an F-150's tire to ideal pressure stated inside the owners' manual. This proper tire pressure is vital to ensuring one's truck doesn't "drag," which can result in lower fuel economy, and therefore, an increased gas budget. This is of the particular essence for a truck the size of an F-150, as increased "drag" on a vehicle of that size can lead to severe fuel economy reduction.

2. Change engine coolant on an F-150 every 100,000 miles, accessory drive belts every 150,000 miles, and PCV valves every 100,000 miles. In addition, make sure spark plugs are replaced every 100,000 miles and transmission/transaxle fluid replaced every 150,000 miles, per F-150 owners' manual guidelines. Doing so will help keep an F-150 in optimal shape, thereby helping sustain ideal fuel economy.

3. Observe the speed limit. Driving at high speeds is a drain on fuel economy, but driving at the speed limit helps ensure optimal gas mileage. Driving erratically---turning corners quickly, speeding through lights---is a drain on gas mileage, so avoid doing so. Also, avoid idling for long periods of time. This is a drain on the fuel economy of any vehicle, particularly larger trucks, as vehicles with larger engines waste more fuel while idling.

4. Remove excess weight. Try and keep any unnecessary heavy items out of your F-150 truck, even in the truck bed. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle could reduce miles per gallon by up to two percent. This is of particular importance for those who haul heavy items often in the back of an F-150, as over time, this can lead to hundreds, even thousands, of extra dollars spent on fuel.

References

• Truck Economy
• Ford Truck Economy
• Fuel Economy