Get Better Mileage On Your Silverado

Gas mileage decreases at speeds over 50 mph or when accelerating hard.

According to Edmunds.com, using cruise control under appropriate conditions can improve gas mileage by up to 14%. Cruise control is most efficient on flat highways, rather than in hilly areas.

Try to drive as smoothly as possible. Speedy acceleration, jerky braking and stop-and-go traffic waste gas. Studies suggest that poor driving habits can affect fuel economy by between 15% and 30%. Don't put your pedal to the metal.

Idling uses more fuel than restarting your car and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you come to a stop and are waiting for someone, consider turning off your engine to save fuel.

Tires can lose about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) per month, even new tires. Each tire that is underinflated by 10 psi reduces fuel economy by about 3.3%. Four tires that are underinflated by 10 psi would reduce your fuel economy by 10%, and that's significant. Check your owner’s manual or the tire wall for the correct PSI for your tires. Low pressure also causes premature tire wear, so you're saving on two fronts.

Your vehicle's fuel efficiency has a lot to do with aerodynamics. Even partly opened windows will reduce aerodynamics and waste gas due to increased drag. Contrary to popular belief, you'll save more fuel with the windows up and the air conditioner turned on during warm weather.

Trucks are meant for hauling, but when you're using your vehicle as rolling storage, that extra weight can cut down on fuel economy. If you're keeping extra sports equipment, tools or other larger, heavier items in your truck that you don't use every day, consider storing them in your garage to save fuel.

There are many reasons that you could have reduced gas mileage, and many of them are under the hood. If your truck is sluggish or you've noticed reduced gas mileage, bring it in to the Merced Chevrolet service center and let us take a look. We can diagnose and fix any engine problem or issues with leaks or exhaust.

Diesels get better gas mileage than gas trucks. And if you're hauling or towing, diesels have more torque for your heavy loads. Even though diesel fuel is more expensive, you'll still save money because of diesel's increased mileage. And diesels last longer and tend to have higher resale value.