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Having a truck can be a great way to get around, but it isn't always the most economical choice. That's why we've put together this list of ways to improve your fuel economy! This is not an exhaustive list of ways to save money on fuel, but these quick tips will help you save money in the long run.
Improve your engine's efficiency
Dirty engines can cause your truck to use more fuel, so make sure you keep it clean. Replace the air filter. Every time you drive, dust and contaminants get sucked into the air filter, which then has to be cleaned or replaced regularly so that they don't clog up vital parts of your engine and lead to costly repairs later on.
Check glow plugs
Glow plugs in diesel engines serve the purpose of heating the air in the combustion chamber to facilitate the ignition of diesel fuel. By preheating the air, glow plugs ensure a smoother and more efficient start-up, especially in colder weather conditions.
Glow plugs typically last for around 100,000 miles, and as such do not need to be replaced often. However, there are times that they can wear out or fail, especially if you hard start often or have low-quality glow plugs installed.
Malfunctioning glow plugs fail to provide the necessary additional heat for diesel combustion. This can result in engine misfires, leading to a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. There are a few signs that can indicate the need to replace glow plugs in a diesel engine:
- Difficult or slow starting
- Rough or uneven idle
- Misfires or lack of power
- Illuminated glow plug indicator light
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and determine if the glow plugs need replacement.
Don't overfill your tank
Overfilling can cause problems with the fuel system and lead to damage, including an overflow when you're not paying attention or air building up in the tank that causes vapor lock.
Go easy on acceleration
When it comes to accelerating, less is more. If you're going for a spirited drive and want to get up to speed quickly, that's fine--just don't do it every time you stop at a light or turn onto the highway.
When accelerating from a stop or start, try not to press down on the pedal too hard; instead use only as much pressure as necessary. This will help prevent unnecessary wear on your vehicle's engine and transmission systems.
Keep the air filter clean and replace it as needed
If you're not sure how often your truck’s air filter needs to be replaced, check the owner's manual or ask your mechanic. If the air filter is dirty or damaged and not replaced, it can cause the engine to run poorly and use more fuel than necessary.
Use compressed air to blow out any dust that may be clinging to it (make sure there's no dirt in the tank first). You can also use compressed water if you don't have any compressed air handy; just make sure not to use anything with chemicals like alcohol or acetone because those could damage the rubber seals on some filters. Once you've removed as much dust as possible with compressed air/water and dried off any moisture that got onto its surface with paper towels.
Final words
If you can adhere to these tips, you can boost the fuel efficiency of your diesel truck. This will help you with saving a considerable amount of money in the long run as well.
