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10 Ways to Save on Gas Mileage!
1.
Perform Regular Maintenance Tasks
You'll use less gas if you keep your vehicle tuned up and
running like it should. Read your owner's manual and make
sure your tires are inflated as the manufacturer recommends,
because under inflation creates a drag that reduces fuel
economy. Don't forget about your truck's wheel alignment,
because you won't get optimum gas mileage if the truck isn't
rolling straight.
2.
Maintain Good Aerodynamics
Installing a bed cover on your truck helps its aerodynamics.
Air rushes over the cover and off the back of the truck,
instead of into the bed, where it pushes on the tailgate
and creates drag that can make you use more gas.
Roof racks are handy sometimes, but carrying things on the
roof creates another source of drag that can increase your
gas consumption. Keep your roof clear unless you actually
need to haul something from one place to another.
3.
Keep it Steady
Continuous up and down acceleration and braking lowers your
gas mileage. Use your cruise control on the highway to help
maintain a constant speed and take it slow and easy on starts
and stops. Slow down a little in general if you can, because
the truck uses more gas when you drive at higher speeds.
4.
Use the Right Kind of Gas
Read your owner's manual to find out which type of gas the
manufacturer recommends for your vehicle. Use a good brand
of gas, one with detergent additives that keep the system
clean, but don't buy more expensive premium if the automaker
recommends regular.
5. Turn if Off When You Can
If you're stopped in traffic, turn the vehicle off, don't
sit there and idle for ten minutes.
Avoid
drive-thru windows with long lines. Park the truck and go
inside the bank, restaurant, pharmacy or other business.
6.
Plan Your Route
Try to plan your trips to avoid congested, high-traffic
areas with repeated traffic snarls and stop-and-go driving.
7. Use Your Air Conditioning Less
Air conditioning makes the truck use more gas, so turn it
off when you can and try the vents instead.
Reduce
the A/C's load by parking in the shade so that the truck
doesn't heat up as much during short stops. Leave the windows
or sunroof cracked slightly if you'll be right back or if
you're close enough to run out and shut them if a rain shower
erupts.
8.
Combine Trips
Try to combine your errands so that you can get everything
you need during one trip, especially if you live a distance
from shopping areas.
9.
Don't Haul Items You Don't Need
You'll improve your gas mileage if you lighten up the load.
Remove unnecessary items from the truck bed or cargo area.
10. Carpool or Ride a Bike
It's not always possible, but carpooling can save you a
lot of dollars in fuel bills. Carpooling drivers are allowed
to use less congested Interstate highway lanes in many cities
during rush hours, so you might even get to work faster.
Consider
public transportation if you live in a city or town that
provides it.
Ride a bicycle for short trips, or walk to your destination.
You won't use any gas at all and you'll be a step ahead
with your daily exercise. |