Fuel economy ??? Poll

Be more than happy to post some suggestions later today or this evening when I have some down time.

 

Like everyone else I have some ideas which can help mpg.
1. Under no circumstance do you remove the front lower spoiler
2. Air filter is clean
3. Correct temp thermostat is installed
4. Use 86 or 87 Octane reg gasoline
5. Tires are original and inflated to factory specs or 1-2 psi above cold
6. No extended tow mirrors
7. Truck is clean and waxed
8. Engine oil is correct viscosity 0W20 and your choice of Synthetic oil
9. Auto trans using correct viscosity ATF, synthetic is best
10. Manual trans use synthetic SAE 75W90 gear oil
11. See 10 above for both differentials
12. Rear drum brakes and front disc brakes are not dragging
13. Do not drive with tailgate down
14. Old school, connect a vacuum gauge to the intake manifold and set on dash, drive by it and try not to let vacuum drop on acceleration, very difficult to do !! You want to lessen the fuel needed to accelerate and also to have your auto trans shift into the higher gears as soon as possible.
15. Avoid a lift kit at all cost
16. Avoid over size tires
17. Use fuel saving tires
18. Avoid use of AC, keep vents open and try with rear slide open for ventilation
19. Don’t race from traffic light to traffic light
20. Learn to coast when going downhill. PCM shuts down injection that’s why you see 99 mph on the DIC.

When we first had our 16 Colorado Diesel the wife and did a weekend up to Cape Cod. Did not drive aggressively up there and enjoyed the scenery. Was able to squeeze just shy of 35 mpg out of that little Diesel. Truck is 4X4, long bed crew cab and auto. I do realize that this is the exception and not the rule. I’m a fanatic when it comes to fuel mileage and I do try most of the time to achieve it. Habit from my 100 mile commute days to and from work. Those who have tried these methods know they work. The factory does all it can to achieve it also and meet CAFE regs!!

Let the comments begin !!! lol

 

this was today and basically short trips around town. Yes, it’s a Colorado Diesel.

 

i like this.....my truck is stock with a cover.....OEM tires and no lift.......i use a/c when hot otherwise windows are open....shell 87 or Costco regular.......i like what the truck does and have no issues other than those in the TSBs that pertain to my vin.....

 

I am certain you can use a scan gauge to watch engine load through the MAP sensor as you drive instead of an old school vacuum gauge which I prefer

 

Between 18---19mpg. Flat roads, local driving. 3" lift and 305/65/17 tires. A lot of drag on the truck, but I start off easy from a red light. I don't floor it.
Highway mileage: lucky to get 16.5 mpg.
Mpg improved after having the transmission TSB applied.

 

I’m sure it’s a good looking Taco !! Looks like it is from your profile photo. If you don’t commute 100 + miles a day then fuel mileage won’t hurt that much unless you live in California

 

Thanks, My commute is 17 miles to work each way. I can't complain. I knew I was gonna take a hit in the mpg. But the truck goes great on trails.

 

That’s what counts!!

 

Will it go up after a little breaking in? Got a new 19 OR 4x4, getting about 15-16 around town and 17 on the freeway. Only 490 miles so far in the odometer.

 

yes it should......also depending on your driving habits.....

 

Considering I came from a WRX I have been pretty mindful and light footed since It is still in the break in period.

 

Tonight I fed it 87 Chevron. For 2 years it only drank 89 Chevron. Will see how it goes.

 

Drive 30mi roundtrip, 2000’ elevation to sea level, all stock on regular gas, constant 21mpg....same as wife’s 03 Taco.....

 

First tank 13-14 I’m on my second tank and up to 16. 350 miles on engine.

Removed front chin spoiler because it looks cool and did 3 inch lift with rear block all fox on 33 bfg at. I have a 6 speed manual and love the low gearing. However 5th and 6 th for overdrive could be a tad lower so when I’m driving 75-80 I’m not at 2800-2900 rpm

 

I guess that’s what it really is .

 

Has MPG gone up for anyone else recently?

I think winter gas might be going away in GA now since I was getting subpar mpgs for the last couple of months then after the last fillup started getting 19-20 city and 23-25 highway like I used to.

 

March.

 

That is an excellent question. I would guess that the piston rings should be seated by at least the first 1,000 - 2,000 miles. Personally I usually do the first oil /filter change at 3,000-4,000 miles. On board computers have adaptive strategy and are able to learn & remember your driving style so I am certain this plays a part in improving the fuel mileage. Theoretically fuel mileage should increase as the engine wears or breaks in.
Also, the manufacturers now use low tension piston rings to reduce internal friction. I have seen some engines consume oil from the very beginning. No visible blue smoke but it is 1 qt. low in 1,000 miles. This vehicle is owned by my daughter and she is the original owner. Engine was never beat on. Others, do better. I would rather have an engine consume some oil, at least I know the piston rings are receiving some lubrication.

 

This was yesterday evening coming back from one of our field offices- 10% city, the rest is 60mph backroads that are slightly hilly. I travel to 4 field offices in SW AR and SE OK a couple times a week and the average just on those trips is about 22, staying in town for the corp office the remainder of the week nets 17 to 18ish. Driving style leans toward conservative, staying around 5 mph north of the limit. I enjoy the trip as much or more than the destination so I don’t really rush most days.
2018 OR on 265.70.17 Wildpeaks with no lift.