common things to reduce mpgs

[snomaker321]

what are some common things that may reduce how many mpgs you get? I have a '96 3.0 auto with 127000mi and i feel like i should be getting better than 12 around town. It could just be my driving style or the fact that its only usually like 2 mile trips at a time but something seems off. Ive tried going a tank driving easy but nothing changed. Not sure where to start, any help greatly appreciated.

 

[daniel3507]

have you done all the basic maintainable? plugs, wires, air/fuel filter etc.

 

[press 1 for english]

what are some common things that may reduce how many mpgs you get? I have a '96 3.0 auto with 127000mi and i feel like i should be getting better than 12 around town. It could just be my driving style or the fact that its only usually like 2 mile trips at a time but something seems off. Ive tried going a tank driving easy but nothing changed. Not sure where to start, any help greatly appreciated.

Putting on tires way larger than stock will kill fuel mileage......plus odometer will read lower than it should.
If the A/C system is way overcharged, that'll knock a couple of mpg off too.
Driving like Nascar driver Kyle Busch will killl economy if you don't wreck first. LOL!
Worn out plugs, emissions control problems, clogged air filter, riding around with hundreds of lbs extra in the truck will hurt. Messed up wheel bearings will hurt too, but it ain't too hard to figure out a wheel bearing is messed up. You should be getting 18-19 mpg overall.

 

[Big Jim M]

Most of the first 2 miles will have the choke richness in the fuel ratio.. THAT alone will kill the milage on 2 mile trips. Then you get to stop and go in town traffic and there goes the rest of the milage.. 12 sounds about right for what you are doing.
Take it for a 100 mile trip and measure the milage correctly.
Big JIm

 

[graff104]

really bad alignment will hurt you. Anything making the truck run poorly. Check codes. basic maintenance plugs wires filters ect.

 

[snomaker321]

new air filter was put in when i got it so its not that.
I havent done plugs or anything, but i probably should. My wires appear fine(i.e. open the hood at night theyre not sparking everywhere, but thats probably a pretty extreme test.) plugs i need to check soon. I just wasnt sure if these things would have that bunch of an effect on my mpg.

most of my driving is to school or work. I live 2 miles from school and a little over a mile from work. On the highway I seem to get well over 20mpg, but this based off of my fuel gauge, so is not very accurate.

I think its aligned fine, doesnt pull to the side at all.

codes i need to pull. My cel came on last night actually. It had come on a few months ago for a misfire on cylinder #2 but thats it. not sure what it is this time. but either way its always like this.

 

[skippy]

Add a can of Restore 6cyl at next oil change.

 

[snomaker321]

im not familiar with restore 6cyl. what is it exactly and what is it supposed to do? On a side note I ran 2 bottles of techron in it but that didnt help

 

[skippy]

It is used to restore compression,horsepower and reduce oil consumption in high mileage engines.I use it every oil change and have for 15 years,it's good stuff.

Check it out when you get to the parts store again,comes in 4,6 and 8cyl cans.

This may sound silly,but also make sure your tires are properly inflated as well.

 

[snomaker321]

ill have to do some more research on that one. been reading alot of mixed reviews on it.

and funny you should mention the tires. i just put air in them all last week. they were low. should i be putting in the 36psi it says for max load or a little less. i usually put 30-32. could this be part of my problem?

 

[skippy]

ill have to do some more research on that one. been reading alot of mixed reviews on it.

and funny you should mention the tires. i just put air in them all last week. they were low. should i be putting in the 36psi it says for max load or a little less. i usually put 30-32. could this be part of my problem?

It very well could be.Try a tank with the 36psi,see what happens.

 

[bigcountry]

ive used lucas oil stabil and had very good results from it but i would run a half a can of seafoam through the tank and the rest through the brake booster. and like everyone else said above me plugs, wires and tire pressure and try to keep ur foot off the go pedal

 

[sr975j]

full synthethic lucas oil stabilizer is the sh*t...i always use it