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Squeezing Back

Given the current frustration we all feel when standing between a gas pump and an empty fuel tank, it seems appropriate that we debut our Wrench Bench department with a discussion centering on how to make your fuel monster a bit less thirsty.

Twenty-some years ago, most of us had a pretty fair understanding of the relationship between automotive mechanics and fuel consumption. Tune-ups involving adjustments to carburetors, ignition timing and such directly impacted vehicle performance and fuel economy. Now with electronic fuel injection, coil-on-plug ignition systems, and computers operating everything from cooling fans to transmission shifting, we’ve come to accept whatever fuel economy our vehicles dish out.

Well, it doesn’t have to be that way.

21st Century Tune-Ups

Tune-ups haven’t completely gone the way of the Edsel, they’ve just changed their focus—and a properly tuned engine is still the first step to ensuring maximum fuel economy. Because today’s computer-controlled engines rely on an array of sensors and electronic feedback, it’s essential that all components are operating at peak efficiency. Your local dealer or service center has the expertise and tools to diagnose your system to make sure your exhaust and intake sensors, and ignition and fuel delivery systems, are working properly. Sure, it’s an investment, but it is the foundation for getting the most out of a gallon of gasoline. One thing you can do at home is make sure your spark plugs are fresh and properly gapped. Fouled plugs or improper gapping means incomplete burning of the fuel entering your combustion chambers. Big problem, easy fix.

Easy Breathing

One way to give your truck a slight bump in fuel economy is to replace the stock air filter with a high-flow aftermarket unit, such as those manufactured by K&N. Such filters permit easier flowing of air into the combustion chambers, contributing to a more complete fuel burn. That, in turn, increases power output and helps maximize fuel economy. You can go one step further by installing an intake kit along with a high-flow filter. These kits eliminate some of the air restrictions found in stock intake assemblies, allowing for more and often cooler air to flow into the system.

Flash It

While computer management has certainly elevated the complication level of performing your own engine work, the aftermarket has turned this around to make performance tuning simpler than ever. Flash tuners, available from several manufacturers like Hypertech, Superchips and Diablosport allow the user to easily change the flash programming of their control module to boost power output via alterations to ignition timing. While the use of these programmers often require a switch from regular to mid- or high-grade fuel, one of the noted side benefits includes a slight bump in fuel efficiency.

High-Tech Lubes

By now, synthetic lubricants are no longer a mystery to most folks, but did you know that bumper-to-bumper application of synthetic engine oil and driveline lubes can have an affect on your fuel economy? Synthetic lubricants are made of highly stable, highly slippery formulations that not only hold up better than petroleum-based lubricants and offer excellent wear protection for moving parts, they help increase the mechanical efficiency of your vehicle due to reduced friction. By reducing friction among engine internals, and the gearing found in transmissions and differentials, mechanical losses are reduced. In other words, more of the energy produced from fuel combustion is translated to power at the wheels rather than friction/heat loss.

Low-Tech Tricks

Not all fuel-saving strategies involve lots of wrenching or an investment in aftermarket components. Simple things, such as minimizing vehicle weight (if you don’t need to haul it, don’t), improving aerodynamics (snow blades look cool, but if you don’t need them, leave them) and keeping your tires inflated to their recommended psi all can contribute to better fuel efficiency. Even improper wheel alignment can have a negative affect on your mpg rating.

The bottom line is that there is no silver bullet for significantly boosting fuel economy, but applying common-sense tactics along with a few aftermarket investments can, when added together, keep more money in your pocket over the long haul.

—Rob Reaser