How to Improve the Gas Mileage on a Wrangler

Improving the MPG on a Jeep Wrangler can be accomplished by utilizing a few tips and tricks.

Depending on the year of your Wrangler, you may feel confident that your mileage is reasonable, or you may be frustrated with the constant expense of refilling your gas tank. More recently, Jeep has created Wranglers to be more fuel-efficient than in the past but no matter the year of your vehicle, you can increase your miles per gallon by following a few fuel-conscious rules.

Instructions

1. Remove any excess weight you are carrying in your Wrangler. When you own an SUV, there is a great temptation to keep a cargo rack on top and to load the trunk area with tools and equipment. The more weight your weight your vehicle is carrying, the greater the strain will be on the engine. Naturally, when the engine is working harder, gas mileage will suffer.

2. Replace and rotate your tires accordingly. The expense of new tires may seem overwhelming, but the effectiveness of your tires directly impacts your fuel mileage. Since Jeeps are often driven on rugged terrain and in stressful driving conditions, rotation of the tires allows an equal balance of wear and tear. On average, most vehicles need new tires after about 40,000 miles of usage. If you have regularly kept air in them and have not put a lot of strain on your tires, you may be safe to go a few thousand miles over this recommendation. On the other hand, if you have not honestly kept up with your tire maintenance, you may want to consider having the tires replaced at 30,000 miles. Either way, new tires will reap a significant reduction in fuel costs in most cases.

3. Change your engine oil and fuel filters accordingly. By bringing your vehicle to a mechanic for regular tuneups, or performing routine maintenance yourself, you are keeping your engine in top-running condition. When your motor is clean, less gasoline is required to help everything run smoothly. Likewise, when the engine is struggling by pulling air through clogged filters with dirty oil and deteriorating system parts, more fuel is called on to compensate for the extra work needed to make your vehicle run.

4. Review and adjust your driving habits. Forcing the vehicle uphill quickly may achieve the results you are seeking at that moment, but the amount of fuel burned in that moment will send you to the nearest gas station. The wear and tear your engine suffers from sudden stops and forceful acceleration severely depletes your gas mileage. Adjust your driving habits by gradually increasing speed, utilizing the cruise control and avoiding city driving when possible.

References

• Jeep.com: Wrangler Mileage Capabilities
• Omninerd: Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency in a Jeep Wrangler

Resources

• Putting Gas-Saving Tricks to the Test