How to Improve the Fuel Economy of a GMC Canyon
Fuel economy is an increasingly hot topic in today's energy-aware world. Commit to improving your vehicle's fuel economy, and you can save money, increase the life of your vehicle and help mitigate the negative environmental effects of your driving. Even with a pickup truck like a GMC Canyon, there are many different ways in which you can improve your fuel economy. Government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission and Canada's Natural Resource Department provide useful gas mileage tips.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Drive Reasonably
-
1
Avoid aggressive driving such as speeding, rapid acceleration and rapid braking. According to the EPA, aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage anywhere from 5 percent to 33 percent.
-
2
When possible, maintain a constant speed, as changes in speed will reduce your fuel economy. For example, a GMC Canyon's fuel economy will drop 3 to 4 mpg when you do extensive amounts of city driving instead of highway driving. While the exact estimates of your vehicle's particular gas mileage will depend on its age and specifications, you can expect to get 15 to 18 mpg in the city and 20 to 25 mpg on the highway.
-
-
3
Observe the speed limit. Fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds over 55 mph. Slowing down from 65 mph to 55 mph can increase your fuel economy by up to 15 percent.
Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
-
4
Avoid idling. It wastes gas. Larger engines waste more fuel idling than smaller engines. According to Canada's Natural Resource Department, a three-liter engine like those in many GMC Canyons wastes over 1 cup of fuel for every 10 minutes of idling. Unless you are in slowly moving traffic, turn off your engine when you will be stopped for more than a minute.
-
5
Avoid the use of your air conditioner. A running air conditioner can increase fuel consumption by 20 percent, according to Canada's Natural Resource Department. At low speeds, open your windows instead. A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers showed that the increased wind resistance produced by open windows at speeds of more than 55 mph reduces fuel economy by 20 percent, while running air conditioning at these higher speeds only cuts fuel economy by 10 percent. At speeds below 40 mph, drive with the windows down, and at higher speeds close the windows and turn on the AC.
-
6
Plan and combine your trips. The Canyon's engine, like all vehicle engines, runs more efficiently when warm. Combine errands so that you are driving with a warm truck engine and so that you drive fewer miles.
-
7
If possible, stagger your commute so that you are driving during times of lighter traffic. Stop-and-go traffic decreases your gas mileage, and traffic loads are lighter slightly before or after the main commuting hours.
-
8
Use cruise control, which helps you maintain constant speeds, thus increasing your gas mileage.
-
9
Use your vehicle's overdrive gears. Driving in overdrive gears reduces the revolutions per minute of your engine, which in turn reduces the amount of fuel consumed.
-
10
Clear out unnecessary luggage from the bed of your Canyon, as excess weight also decreases your fuel economy. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that an additional 100 pounds in weight can decrease fuel economy by up to 2 percent. Limit the use of roof racks and trailers, which create additional wind resistance, add weight and consequently reduce your fuel economy.
Keep Your Vehicle Well Maintained
-
11
Perform monthly maintenance checks on your vehicle. This will help you catch problems early on, save money on the upkeep of your Canyon and keep it running cleanly and efficiently. According to the EPA, small repairs can improve your gas mileage by 4 percent, and large repairs can improve it by up to 40 percent.
-
12
Consult your owner's manual and follow its guidelines on the Canyon's maintenance schedule and requirements on everything from oil changes and engine checks to brakes and emission-control systems. Take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for annual tune-ups.
-
13
Keep your tires inflated. The tire pressure specifications are listed on the driver's-side door panel. Every time you fill up with gas, check your tire pressure. According to the EPA, there is a 0.3 percent drop in your fuel efficiency for every 1 psi drop in tire pressure.
-
14
Improve your gas mileage by using your vehicle's manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. The American Petroleum Institute labels some motor oil "Energy Conserving," and these oils contain friction-reducing agents that can improve your vehicle's gas mileage.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
