Getting the Best Gas Mileage Since the price of fuel has yet to stabilize on the international market, the need to economize is even more necessary. This situation is especially trying for people who drive trucks.

	Trucks throughout the years have always ranked highest in popularity.  In fact, most trucks on the road today are either V6 or V8 powered engine models, which use a lot of fuel.  This makes the fuel prices more intimidating for truck owners who drive the larger model trucks.  This is especially true if the truck has to be driven in various climates, to work, and all sorts of different situations.  In general, the gas mileage for larger utility vehicles is low.  However, by applying adequate upkeep and maintenance, you will be providing yourself with a little relief at the pump.     8 Ways To Get Better Gas Mileage Here are eight simple ways to get better gas mileage. Less weight - Plainly stated, the more excess weight your vehicle carries, the more energy it takes to operate.  Naturally, you will want to rid your vehicle of unnecessary debris and equipment you use periodically and keep enough handy all the time.  If you are not using the trailer, remember to unhitch it.  This means unless you have to haul loads of material around regularly, reducing extra weight will provide 15-20% in higher fuel cost savings. Air intakes - For diesel fuel vehicles, re-routing the airflow through the engine in harsh winter climates is important; therefore, it is best to block the engine grill.  Blocking the engine grill deflects the icy cool air from mixing with the hot metals on the truck engine.  This means that the temperature of the air is optimal for a more efficient fuel usage.    Modify the way you drive – Of course, your driving habits will affect fuel usage.  Try to drive at 55 mph or at the lowest rpm for the highest gear and make sure to use overdrive.  By doing this, the gear shifting is sooner.  When driving a manual transmission, try to shift up to the highest gear as quickly as possible and do not break any laws in the process!  Since controlling fuel usage is the aim when you approach a stop light, coast as long a distance as possible until you reach it.  In the long run, this will improve gas mileage normally wasted from frequent stopping and going! Maintenance – There is no question that this is also extremely important to the longevity of the vehicle.  Always keep track of tire air pressure level and ensure they are all at the proper psi.  Keeping the tire air pressure up will increase the circumference of the tires and improve the manner in which the threads wear.     Other tips include routine fluid changes to suit weather conditions and excessive driving, which can greatly reduce fuel and engine usage.  Protecting the engine by maintaining low viscosity grade oil and lots of coolant during the summer is critical to the engine lifespan and the fuel used.  When having fluids changed, remember to request an injector or carburetor cleaner to remove the gunk from the inside of the engine and fuel lines.  Plus, check those belts every now and then, especially after long trips.  Make sure they are in good working condition, free of cracks, tears, or rips to increase the engine’s efficiency.   Air Conditioner – It is very common for summer drivers to blast the AC all day.  However, running the AC uses a tremendous amount of gas to keep you icy cool in the scorching heat.  Using your windows to cool off is little more efficient than the AC, and although it drags the vehicle down is not as bad.  Conversely, however, using your heater in the winter has no effect on the gas usage.  In fact, it keeps the engine cool on warmer winter days.  Use a high flow air filter – High air flow filters are both economical and environmentally safe.  The filters provide the engine with a good air flow and can be cleaned and recycled.  Generally, using high air flow filters give you an additional 1-3 miles per gallon, even in a 5.4 cylinder V8 2009 model truck.  Manufacturers such as K&N, Afraid, BBK, and others have a large selection of filter choices and application methods for new and old models.  Although the high performance fuel injection kits are quite expensive, they have the quickest old filter replacement system, and you get a higher quality performance. Exhaust System - A higher grade exhaust system will give your truck, new or used, a great sound, plus rid the engine of burnt gas fumes for a higher performance.  You can locate name brand, no welding easy installation kits complete with everything you need just about anywhere.  All you need are basic tools and a long afternoon.  Once it is completed, your new high grade stainless steel exhaust system will pay off at the pump. Performance Chips – Replacing the performance chip will reformat the vehicle’s computer; changing shift points and gas output will save you some money.  Not to mention, the chip will optimize transmission usage for better shifting algorithms.  Generally, anywhere you look, the performance chip costs between $80 - $120.  Some of the easier application systems can be found at Hypertech and Superchips.  It is worth it in the end and only takes about 15 minutes to install with the appropriate tools.  In this case, doing it yourself is quite cost effective. Who Should Consider These Changes These changes are suitable for everyone who owns a truck.  They are even more important for those who do a lot of driving with their truck under different types of road and weather conditions.  When you do a lot of driving, saving on fuel can also save you a lot of money in fuel costs.  If you do deliveries for a living, then these tips will surely help cut your delivery costs.  It pays to be fuel efficient even if you are driving one of the best mpg trucks on the market today.