Get Better Fuel Economy
How
much time do you spend at the gas station? Too much? A complaint that a lot of
Ford F-150 owners have is that their trucks
get bad gas mileage. Well, considering it's a full-size truck, you should expect
that it won't get real great fuel economy. Not to worry though, we are giving
some handy tips on how you can keep some money in your wallet and save on the
gas bill!
These tips are general, so they apply no matter what kind of vehicle you drive.
- Remove any unnecessary cargo or extra weight - it all adds up!
- On the highway and long trips, use cruise control - it will also help from getting a sore foot
- Buy the smallest engine you need - if you don't really need the big 5.4L V8, opt for the 4.2L V6
- Consider getting a standard transmission rather than the automatic transmission - they're also
cheaper to buy and repair.
- Avoid stomping on the gas pedal - accelerate slowly and save
your gas. Drive as if there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal.
-
If you'll be idling for more than a few minutes, turn the engine
off
-
Keep your tires properly inflated - underinflated tires can
cause extra drag and overinflated tires can be dangerous as well. Check the
sidewall on the tire for the recommended pressure
-
Don't use air conditioning unless you need it (this can be a big
gas pig on some vehicles) - although in some cases (such as at high speeds), it
can actually be a bigger drag on the vehicle if you have the windows open.
-
Maintain your truck - keep the air filter clean (important!), do
regular maintenance on the truck (change the oil every 3000 miles, etc.).
-
Drive 55mph or the speed limit - the faster you go at those
higher speeds, the more gas your truck consumes. Also, staying at the speed
limit could save you from a speeding ticket ;-)
-
Keep track of your mileage - Use the
fuel economy tracking
spreadsheets we offer or create your own. Monitor your mileage and see what
works for you and what doesn't.
-
Plan more efficient routes - Consider the number of stops you
have, a little longer route may actually be better! Also, make less trips - try
to do as many tasks as you can in one trip, rather than doing one task per trip.
-
Drive with the tailgate UP - It is a myth that you will get
better mileage with the tailgate down. Keep it up if you want the best mileage.
-
Install aftermarket performance parts - it's well known that
installing things such as a K&N air filter, aftermarket exhaust systems, an
electric fan, among other items, can help get better gas mileage.
-
In cold weather, don't warm up your truck for more than 2
minutes, unless it's 15 years old or older.
Here are some other tips that may also help:
-
Keep your expectations realistic - remember you're driving 5,000
lbs of glass, steel, and plastic. It won't feel like a car and won't get the
same mileage as a car.
-
Try different brands of gasoline - some gasolines have different
formulas and you may notice your engine running rougher with a particular brand
of gasoline.
-
Buy gas in the morning - gas is sold by volume and expands when
warm. So fill the tank up early morning (dawn is the optimum time) when the gas
is cold and dense. This way, when it warms up, it expands and you have more than
you would have if you bought it warm.
-
Try high-octane (premium) gas - people have claimed that their
mileage increased with premium gas - be careful because it costs more to
purchase, so it may not save you any money in the long run.
-
Consider the bus! - I had to throw this in! Public
transportation runs anyway, why not use it? If you're environmentally
conscientious, you might even want to ride your bike and get some exercise. Keep
the truck in the garage ;-)
-
Carpool - this will definitely save on the gas bill
-
I've heard using synthetic oil can give you a slight increase in
mileage. Try it and see if it works for you!
-
Keep your truck clean - a freshly washed and waxed truck has
less resistance helping you cut through the air easier.
I hope these tips help. Share your experiences in
our forums.
