Fuel Economy and Tune Up Tips

This post is to exchange info on best ways keeping your Toyotas tuned up and any fuel saving and performance improving tips, Im getting ready to do a tune up soon and so far just the basics that include, plugs, air filter and oil change, maybe PCV valve while Im at it? and also clean mass air flow intake , What are some other things I should do now that gas prices are out of control. Thanks in advance!

 

The term "tune-up" is a little over used nowadays, these modern cars "tune" themselves on the fly driving down the road.

Yes clean the maf and replace plugs and filters

Drive like there's an egg under the gas pedal

 

My 08 Tacoma didn't have this, but on my 4Runner, I keep an eye on this. I don't drive like a grandma, but at cruising speed, I use this to stay as light on the gas as possible. It actually helps a lot.

 

I've found underinflated tires do more to hurt fuel mileage than old plugs etc. Keeping the truck basically stock and driving conservatively are important. I've never seen a noticeable difference in performance or fuel mileage after changing plugs and filters. I suppose if someone let them go way beyond where they should go it might matter.

Best way to save on gas is to simply not drive as much. If we think about it we could really reduce the miles driven every month. My mom used to drive to 2-3 grocery stores all over town to get the best prices on several items. She never thought about the $2-$3 of extra gas she burned to save $1 on an item.

There aren't a lot of bigger stores with much of a selection locally other than Walmart. But about 35 miles away is a Cabela's, REI, Academy, Sportsmans Warehouse and multiple other stores. I've gotten bad about driving to those stores when I need something when I could order it online and let the brown truck or USPS deliver it.

My wife and I used to spend weeks driving all over shopping for our kids and 6 grandkids for Christmas. The last few years she has ordered almost everything and had it delivered.

 

Like what Marshall said, tire pressure. I don’t know if it’s true but heard they lose .5 psi per month.

Carrying unnecessary weight should be avoided.

Maintenance, stay on top of the intervals. I don’t believe in magic spark plugs. Iridium’s I’ve used in other engines with good results. In the Tacoma, I’ve heard more say bad than those who said good. So I’m staying with copper.

Run some in tank cleaner once in awhile. I like Jectron. If you short trip it like me, I try to get it out on the open highway once every few months, then floor the crap outta it before the end of the drive.

The biggest one is driving habits, I fail miserably. I heard to shift before 2k rpm, manual transmission.

Some things I do that may or may not help. With an auto transmission, from a stop I accelerate gently until it shifts to second, then accelerate normally. When approaching an uphill section, increase speed slightly before it starts going up. When approaching a downhill then uphill section, accelerate downhill so I don’t need to accelerate harder to go uphill. Use another vehicle to cut the air, a tractor trailer or bobtail work good. Just keep in mind they can’t see you back there so don’t suddenly change lanes and pass. Also keep in mind, they carry a lot of weight and can’t suddenly stop.

 

Tire pressure is a big one and keep it under 70 . Ive noticed if I cruise over 70 my mileage decreases quickly
I average about 18-20 mpg

 

Check tire pressures, remove unnecessary drag and stay under 65. I don't think there's anything that'll get you more MPG than just reducing from 70MPH to 65MPH

 

Tune this up. Will do more for saving gas than anything else you can do.

 

Any ideas as to added weight from aftermarket bumpers , platform racks etc and how they may effect mpg?

 

The weight is more of a factor around town (stopping and going) or if you live in hilly areas (having to drag the weight uphill).

The bigger thing comes from the usual aftermarket front bumpers drastically less aerodynamics, same goes for racks that act like sails etc.

 

nice