How to Make a Jeep Wrangler More Fuel-Efficient
The Jeep Wrangler has long been an icon among four-wheeling enthusiasts. Equipped with a solid body, four-wheel drive and a capable engine, the Wrangler is designed to handle severe off-road and bad weather driving conditions. What makes the Wrangler so adept off the road; however, also hampers its ability to achieve greater gas mileage. Since 1987, the Jeep Wrangler has averaged 15 to 18 mpg in the city and 16 to 22 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine and transmission. Nevertheless, you can make your Wrangler more fuel-efficient.
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Instructions
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Resist the temptation to add aftermarket modifications to your Wrangler. Many Jeep drivers, especially those who drive off-road, enjoy installing lift kits, larger tires and steel wheels on their vehicles. While these modifications may improve off-road driving, they cost the Wrangler gas mileage. If you've already modified your Wrangler, consider removing the parts and going back to stock for improved fuel efficiency.
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Drop any unnecessary weight carried by the Wrangler. If you haul cargo, such as sporting equipment or outdoor supplies, in the back of the Wrangler, remove it. The added weight will decrease the level of fuel efficiency you're able to achieve. Remove anything else you don't require for regular driving. If you wish, you can even remove the rear seat and spare tire.
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Transform the manner in which you drive your Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler is built for handling tough terrain, not high speeds, harsh braking or cornering. When you drive the Wrangler as you would a sports car or even an average sedan, you make it less fuel-efficient. Drive the Wrangler below 60 mph and give yourself space in traffic or on the freeway to avoid aggressive driving tactics.
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Contact a reputable mechanic for a tune-up on your Wrangler's engine. Poor engine performance due to bad oxygen sensors, fuel injectors, fuel lines, spark plugs or filters can lead to poor fuel efficiency. Also, have the Wrangler's tires aligned and the engine and transmission oils changed. Continue to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and monitor the tires to make certain they are wearing smoothly and are completely inflated.
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Minimize the strain on the Wrangler's engine by using the air conditioner less and reducing the time you allow the engine to idle. The motor must supply power to the air-conditioning unit/pump for it to work. This requires more fuel. Allowing the motor to continue running while the Jeep is stopped will burn fuel needlessly.
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References
- Photo Credit county gas pump image by Robert Bourgeois from Fotolia.com
