by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

George Carlin once said, "Kilometers are shorter than miles. Save gas, take your next trip in kilometers." As fuel prices sky-rocket, consumers are trying to find the most effective ways to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. To make matters worse, there are many products on the market that claim to increase gas mileage in vehicles, but that are often a waste of money.

Truck owners are particularly effected by high fuel prices and false advertising claims. Fortunately, a truck's fuel efficiency can be increased by implementing practical gas saving strategies (as outlined below) and performing certain modifications. Here are 5 practical ways to save gas in your truck:

1. KEEP YOUR TRUCK MAINTAINED

Routine maintenance, such as checking your 02 sensors, replacing air and fuel filters, and changing your oil, goes a long way when it comes to saving gas. For example, fixing a serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can increase your mileage by as much as 40%.

Use synthetic oil when you change your oil. Synthetic oil lasts longer and reduces friction, which increases horsepower and gas mileage. It can wind up increasing a trucks mpg by 5%.

2. CHECK YOUR TIRES

Keeping your tires properly inflated can increase your gas mileage by as much as 3.3 %. Under-inflated tires creates drag that reduces gas mileage by 0.4% for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires.

3. DRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLY

Aggressive driving, (such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking) can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33% at highway speeds and by 5% at city speeds. Avoid excessive idling, especially since trucks have large engines and thus waste more gas than other vehicles.

Find your truck's optimum speed and hit the cruise control. Most trucks are fuel efficient when they are between 55 mph and 60mph. Keep in mind that for every 5 mph you drive over your optimum speed, you are paying an additional $0.20- $0.25 per gallon.

4. BE MINDFUL OF AERODYNAMICS

Some truck owners may roll their eyes at people who say rolling their windows down can waste gas, and they are partly right, but could benefit with a lesson in aerodynamics. Aerodynamics do not have to be taken into account at slow speeds but are very important at high speeds, like when driving on the highway. Aerodynamics also effect large vehicles, like trucks, more than smaller vehicles.

So when you are driving at high speeds, roll up those windows. Also avoid placing cargo racks on top of your truck. Tailgates can also create

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