Improving the Gas Mileage in Your Truck
Driving a truck doesn’t have to mean giving up on fuel efficiency. Regardless of whether you use your pickup for work, weekend adventures, or daily driving, there are practical steps you can take to reduce fuel consumption. Effective fleet management systems enhance the operational efficiency of various vehicle types, including trucks. If you’ve been wondering how to get better gas mileage in a truck, you’re not alone—and Moon Township Ford is here to help.
From adjusting your driving habits to maintaining your truck the right way, here’s everything you need to know about improving fuel economy in a truck and increasing your miles per gallon (MPG).
Adjust Your Driving Habits
One of the most effective ways to improve your truck’s fuel economy starts with how you drive. Aggressive driving habits—such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and speeding—can significantly reduce your MPG. Adopting a smoother driving style gives your engine the chance to operate more efficiently, and the driver plays a crucial role in this.
Maintaining a truck’s steady speed, especially on the highway, can make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption. Driving at high speeds can greatly decrease fuel efficiency. If your Ford truck is equipped with cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control, take advantage of it. These systems help regulate your speed and reduce unnecessary throttle input, making your truck more fuel efficient over long distances.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
When it comes to how to increase MPG on a truck, regular maintenance is essential. A well-maintained engine burns fuel more efficiently, tires with proper pressure roll more smoothly, and clean filters ensure the right airflow for optimal combustion. Regular maintenance can also prevent engine wear, which contributes to the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle.
Neglecting basic maintenance—like oil changes or tire care—can cause your truck’s fuel efficiency to drop over time. Always use the manufacturer-recommended motor oil, and make sure your tires are inflated to the correct PSI. Even a small decrease in tire pressure can increase rolling resistance and decrease your gas mileage. Having the engine tuned regularly can also improve fuel economy, especially if your vehicle is out of tune or has failed an emissions test.
You should also have your air filters, spark plugs, and fuel system checked periodically. Clogged air filters or dirty fuel injectors can strain your engine, forcing it to use more fuel than necessary. Underinflated tires negatively impact fuel economy, with each 1 PSI drop reducing fuel mileage by 0.3%. Staying on top of your truck’s maintenance schedule is a simple but powerful way to get better gas mileage. Keeping your tires properly inflated is crucial for enhancing fuel efficiency and safety.
Lighten the Load
Extra weight equals extra fuel burned. Trucks are designed to haul heavy loads, but carrying around equipment or cargo you don’t need can negatively impact your MPG. One of the easiest ways to make a truck more fuel efficient is to remove unnecessary items from the bed or cab when they’re not in use. Investing in add-ons such as tractor side fairings, deep angled bumpers, and trailer skirts can also improve aerodynamics and lead to better fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamics also play a role. External add-ons like roof racks, ladder mounts, or light bars can increase drag—especially at highway speeds. Reducing drag by streamlining your truck’s exterior or removing roof accessories when they’re not needed can help improve your fuel economy. Additionally, even an empty truck bed can create wind drag that reduces mileage, so minimizing items in the truck bed is crucial for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.
Use Ford’s Fuel-Saving Features
Modern Ford trucks come with advanced features to help save fuel. These features contribute to significant fuel savings by optimizing various aspects of the truck’s performance. One standout is Eco Mode, available on models like the Ford F-150, Ford Ranger, and Ford Maverick. When activated, this system adjusts your truck’s throttle response, transmission behavior, and other variables to maximize fuel efficiency during daily driving.
By monitoring factors like acceleration and braking, Eco Mode encourages more efficient habits behind the wheel to increase fuel efficiency. If you’re wondering how to get better gas mileage in a truck with the tools you already have, this is a great place to start.
Upgrade to a More Efficient Truck
If you’re ready to make a long-term move toward better fuel economy, Ford offers several trucks that combine impressive performance with lower fuel consumption. The Ford Maverick stands out with its best-in-class fuel economy—achieving up to 40 MPG in the city with a standard hybrid engine. It’s a compact, capable truck perfect for everyday driving.
Heavy duty trucks are also designed with fuel efficiency in mind, helping to reduce operational costs and comply with new emissions regulations.
For drivers who need more muscle, the Ford F-150 hybrid blends towing power with electric assist to reduce fuel use and emissions. If you want to eliminate fuel costs altogether, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers a fully electric experience, with zero gas and instant torque.
Newer models also benefit from lighter frames, advanced engine options, and upgraded transmission systems that naturally improve MPG. Proper maintenance is crucial for diesel trucks to run efficiently and avoid issues that could affect their fuel consumption. Regular oil changes and fuel filter replacements are essential to ensure optimal performance and fuel economy. If you’re serious about how to increase MPG on a truck, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model may be your smartest option.
Start Saving at Moon Township Ford
Getting better gas mileage in a truck isn’t just about one big change—it’s about combining the right habits, maintenance, and vehicle features to boost efficiency over time. At Moon Township Ford, we’re here to help you get the most out of every mile. Improving fuel efficiency can also help you save money by reducing fuel costs over time.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a more fuel-efficient Ford truck or want service support to improve the performance of your current one, our team is ready to help. Fleet managers can implement strategies to cut down on fuel waste and improve efficiency within a fleet. Visit us today in Moon Township, PA, to explore fuel-saving options, schedule service, or take a test drive.
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