Pickup trucks are built for power and versatility, but their fuel economy often leaves room for improvement, especially with rising gas prices. Whether you use your truck for work, towing, or weekend adventures, optimizing fuel efficiency can save you money and reduce your environmental impact.
This article explores practical, affordable hacks to improve your pickup truck’s gas mileage, focusing on driving habits, weight reduction, aerodynamic modifications, and maintenance tips tailored for truck owners.
Your driving habits have a significant impact on fuel consumption. Pickup trucks, with their large engines and heavy frames, are susceptible to aggressive driving styles. Try these habits to boost efficiency:
Drive Smoothly: Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can reduce fuel economy by up to 20%. Gradually increase speed and anticipate stops to maintain momentum. For example, coasting to a red light instead of speeding up and braking saves gas.
Maintain Steady Speeds: Use cruise control on highways to keep a consistent speed. Most trucks, such as the Ford F-150 or RAM 1500, achieve optimal fuel economy between 45 and 60 mph. Exceeding 65 mph increases wind resistance and burns more fuel.
Limit Idling: Idling consumes about 0.1–0.5 gallons per hour, depending on your engine size. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute, such as at a drive-thru or job site, unless you need power for accessories like a winch.
Plan Routes: Combine errands to reduce trips and avoid congested routes. Apps like Google Maps can suggest fuel-efficient paths, saving gas on your Chevy Silverado or Toyota Tacoma.
Savings Estimate: Adopting smooth driving habits can improve fuel economy by 10–15%, potentially saving $100–$300 annually for a truck averaging 15 MPG and driven 12,000 miles per year at $3.50 per gallon.
Excess weight forces your truck’s engine to work harder, lowering fuel efficiency. Pickup trucks are designed to carry heavy loads, but unnecessary cargo can hurt gas mileage.
Clear the Bed: Remove unneeded items from the truck bed, such as tools, sports gear, or debris. Every 100 pounds reduces fuel economy by about 1–2%. For example, carrying an extra 200 pounds in a Dodge RAM 1500 could drop its MPG from 20 to 19 or less.
Lighten Accessories: Heavy aftermarket parts like large toolboxes or oversized tires add weight. Opt for lightweight alternatives, such as aluminum toolboxes or appropriately sized tires for your needs.
Limit Passenger Load: While less common, carrying extra passengers adds weight. Plan trips to avoid overloading with unnecessary passengers or gear.
Remove Unused Racks: Roof racks or bed racks increase weight and drag when not in use. Remove them when they’re not needed to save fuel.
Savings Estimate: Removing 200 pounds of excess weight can improve MPG by 1–2%, resulting in a savings of $50–$150 per year for a truck driven 12,000 miles at 15 MPG.
Pickup trucks have boxy shapes that create significant air resistance, especially at highway speeds. Aerodynamic modifications can reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Install a Tonneau Cover: A tonneau cover smooths airflow over the truck bed, reducing drag by up to 5–10%. Soft roll-up covers ($200–$500) are affordable and easy to install, while hard covers offer added security. For a Ford F-150, this could boost MPG from 18 to 19 or higher.
Lower the Tailgate Carefully: Contrary to myth, lowering the tailgate often increases drag by disrupting airflow. Test your truck with the tailgate up versus down on a consistent route to see what works best. Most modern trucks are designed for optimal aerodynamics with the tailgate up.
Remove Roof Racks: As mentioned, unused roof racks create drag. Removing them can improve MPG by 1–2%.
Use Side Steps Wisely: Bulky aftermarket side steps or running boards can increase drag. Choose streamlined, low-profile designs if you need them for access.
Keep Windows Up: At highway speeds, open windows disrupt airflow, increasing drag. Use the truck’s AC (set to a moderate level) to stay comfortable.
Savings Estimate: A tonneau cover and other aerodynamic tweaks can improve fuel economy by 5–10%, potentially saving $100–$250 annually for a truck averaging 15 MPG over 12,000 miles.
Regular maintenance keeps your truck running efficiently, preventing fuel-wasting issues like poor combustion or increased friction.
Check Tire Pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing MPG by up to 3%. Check pressure monthly (find the recommended PSI on the driver’s door jamb or tire sidewall) and inflate when tires are cold. For example, a Toyota Tundra’s tires might need 35–40 PSI.
Use the Right Tires: Oversized or aggressive off-road tires increase fuel consumption. Choose all-season or highway-terrain tires for daily driving to strike a balance between efficiency and capability.
Replace Air Filters: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing efficiency by 5–10%. Replace it every 12,000–15,000 miles or as recommended (about $15–$30). A clean filter ensures proper combustion in trucks like the GMC Sierra.
Use the Correct Oil: Use the manufacturer’s recommended oil viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 for many modern trucks). Synthetic oils reduce friction and improve MPG slightly compared to conventional oils. Change oil every 5,000–7,500 miles ($30–$80 for DIY).
Inspect Spark Plugs: Worn spark plugs cause misfires, reducing fuel economy. Replace them every 60,000–100,000 miles ($5–$15 each) for V6/V8 engines in trucks like the Chevy Silverado.
Align Wheels: Misaligned wheels increase drag and tire wear. Get an alignment ($50–$100) annually or after hitting potholes.
Savings Estimate: Proper maintenance can improve fuel economy by 10–20%, resulting in annual savings of $150–$400 for a truck averaging 15 MPG over 12,000 miles.
Choose the Right Fuel: Use the recommended octane (usually 87 for most trucks). Higher octane doesn’t improve efficiency unless specified. For diesel trucks, use high-quality diesel fuel to avoid injector issues.
Limit AC Use: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, especially at low speeds. Use it sparingly or rely on vented air when possible.
Monitor Driving Conditions: Avoid driving in heavy winds or extreme heat, which can reduce MPG. Plan trips for cooler parts of the day if feasible.
Consider Eco Modes: Many modern trucks (e.g., Ford F-150, RAM 1500) have eco modes that optimize throttle response and transmission shifts for better fuel economy. Use this feature on long drives.
Tire Pressure Gauge: $10–$20 for accurate readings.
Tonneau Cover: $200–$500 for soft covers, DIY-installable.
Air Filter: $15–$30, replaceable with basic tools.
Oil and Filter: $30–$80 for DIY oil changes.
Basic Tools: Wrench, screwdriver, and socket set for maintenance ($50–$100 for a starter kit).
Improving your pickup truck’s fuel efficiency doesn’t require expensive upgrades or major changes. By adopting smoother driving habits, reducing weight, enhancing aerodynamics, and maintaining your vehicle, you can stretch every gallon further.
These hacks are practical, affordable, and effective for popular trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or Toyota Tacoma. Start with one or two changes, track your MPG (using the truck’s trip computer or manual calculations), and enjoy the savings at the pump.
Drive smart, save fuel, and keep your truck running strong!