Improve Your F150 Gas Mileage For Maximum Fuel Efficiency
As the saying goes, "a penny saved is a penny earned." This is particularly true for truck ownership, as small decisions can lead big savings, over time. One way in which drivers can save is by improving their F150's fuel mileage. The good news is that Ford prioritized gas efficiency within modern F150 designs, and the outcome has helped drivers save immensely. As Green Car Reports writes, "They still rank as the more fuel-efficient choice for those who plan to do a lot of highway driving-or, especially, towing at highway speeds." Furthermore, Ford's commitment to fuel efficiency further reflects in its power-boost hybrid and electric F150 editions. However, there are also actions you can take as an F150 owner to improve mileage.
Drive Strategically
Don't be aggressive. The most obvious way to save gas when driving your F150 is to limit abrupt acceleration and braking. For the best efficiency, limit your speeds to 65 mph. Employ cruise control to maintain a consistent pace. Tying in with the above, cruise control is a great tool for improving your F150's fuel mileage.
Consolidate trips, if possible. Starting your engine after a cooldown period uses a lot of gas. Therefore, if possible, make your trips have multiple short stops to prevent your F150 from cooling before you rev it up for the next destination. Let's say your to-do list involves dropping off the dog at the groomer, grabbing milk from the store, mailing a letter from the post office, and visiting the library. By tackling all of your errands in one excursion, you'll ultimately save more gas than if you did each chore separately.
Don't be idle for extended periods. Your car doesn't have to be moving to consume gas. When parked or stopped in traffic, turn off your F150 as soon as possible to conserve gas.
Limit Excess Add-Ons and Reconsider Lifting Your F150
Want to boost your truck an extra three inches or add a roof rack? Surprise, surprise, these additions can negatively impact your F150's gas mileage. Many of these updates naturally add more bulk, whether it be larger tires or a new frame. However, most of the lost efficiency comes from the fact that you're messing with the silhouette of the vehicle. This negatively impacts the original aerodynamic design, increasing drag. This doesn't mean you should forego these upgrades, entirely. Just make sure that you factor gas mileage into your decision-making process about lifting your truck. For example, perhaps a three-inch height would provide the benefits you seek while saving you money compared to a six-inch. To learn more, read Laws for Lifted Trucks in Missouri.
Keep Your F150 in Top Condition With Regular Maintenance
Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial for a number of different reasons beyond merely helping with MPG. However, stay up-to-date on the following to reinforce your F150 truck's efficiency:
- Tire quality and pressure.
- Under-inflated tires further add to rolling resistance, meaning more power is needed to maneuver the vehicle.
- Oil changes.
- Fresh lubricant keeps your engine and parts running smoothly, ultimately consuming less gas. Similarly, make sure you are using the recommended oil rather than a subpar knock-off.
- Replace your spark plugs when needed. Assessing the spark plug can provide a skilled mechanic with clues as to how well your engine operates. If you are overdue for a replacement, check out Buy OEM Spark Plugs From Ford.
- Have your air filters cleaned. Have you ever stopped to wonder where all the debris in the air collects over time? It certainly doesn't magically disappear. When your engine's air is dirty, the engine works harder to suck in the necessary air to combine with fuel.
- Cleaning the air filters will give your engine the much-needed break and improve your F150's fuel efficiency.
- Ask your mechanic about the gas cap seal. As alluded to above, maintaining the perfect balance of air and gas is important for improving your F150's fuel efficiency. If your gas cap isn't marred or tiny pieces have broken off, air may be seeping into the tank, throwing off the ratio. Luckily, replacing the F150 gas cap is a fairly cheap endeavor that will pay off spades in improved fuel mileage.
Additional Actions to Improve Your F150's Fuel Efficiency
- Limit air conditioning usage. When summertime heat strikes, there's no avoiding blasting your AC. However, if you can get away with rolling down your window while driving at slower speeds (like within a city), you can ultimately reduce your gas usage.
- Don't buy "excess" truck. Ford trucks come in all sizes, meaning that there's a vehicle for everyone. Don't make the mistake of choosing one not intended for you, or else you may spend more on gas than necessary. If you will need your truck to primarily transport your family and home supplies, the immense horsepower of the F150 Raptor won't be put to good use.
- Don't haul items on your roof. The name of the game is to make your F150 as aerodynamic as possible to make it more fuel-efficient. Storage solutions that add height to the truck create wind resistance, making your vehicle work harder to maintain speeds. Thankfully, with the F150's generous pickup bed, it's unlikely that you'll need additional rooftop cargo space.
- Limit unnecessary exposure to the hot sun. Did you know that gas can evaporate from inside your tank? Now you do! Limit this risk by parking your F150 in shady spots, out of the direct sun.
Myths About How to Save Gas
Not every gas-saving tip your friends share may be true. Don't fall for the following common misconceptions: Keeping your vehicle in neutral mode. This strategy doesn't work with the vehicles of today. Your F150 will operate best if the gear accommodates the speed and steepness you're traveling. For this reason, keeping your vehicle in neutral to limit fuel usage can actually backfire. The time of day impacts the quality of the gas. Some drivers purposefully fill up their tanks exclusively during nighttime or early morning, believing that the naturally colder weather temperatures will lead to denser gasoline. However, because of how stations store fuel underground, it's highly unlikely that this strategy will regularly produce a noteworthy difference. Manual transmission will help significantly save gas. This belief was true once upon a time, but today's automatic models render this theory obsolete.Not Getting the Fuel Mileage You Want? Perhaps It's Time for a Newer F150 Truck
Ford evolves the F150 design year after year, building on the success of past models. Obviously, the safety features and MPG of older trucks don't reflect the latest technologies, meaning that they may not embody the best Ford has to offer your family. If you seek a truck with better gas mileage than your current F150, consider setting up an appointment with the Bo Beuckman team to discuss modernized models and check out our F150 buyer's guide. Better yet? Reserve the 2022 F-150 Lightning for an electric truck made to stand up to the rigors of both work and play. 100% electric, it will have those worries about MPG and fuel efficiency disappearing in the rearview mirror. Want to keep learning about Ford? Read EcoBoost vs PowerBoost: Comparing Engines.-
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Ellisville, MO 63011
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