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(ARA) - With the high cost of gas draining many Americans’ wallets across the United States, many pickup owners are feeling the burn at the pump. While some consumers may opt to purchase a hybrid vehicle, many drivers depend on their pickup for everyday functionality. Since the majority of truck owners won’t be lining up to down size to a hybrid car any time soon, there are several things they can do to start saving gas money today.
One of the most overlooked items that instantly improves your gas mileage is getting a routine engine tune up. If your vehicle is running at peak performance, your gas tank will too. Keeping your engine tuned can increase gas mileage by up to 4 percent.
Fall is a great time to do a routine maintenance check before the cold weather sets in and we’re less likely to look under the hood or take our vehicle to the shop. According to the Federal Trade Commission, here are a few tips to improve your truck’s gas mileage.
Oil It Up:
As most auto body technicians will tell you, checking and changing your oil is one of the most overlooked items. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine, ensuring your engine will run at peak performance.
Keep it Clean:
By keeping your air, oil, and fuel filters clean, you can increase gas mileage by 10 percent. You can also benefit from keeping the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean, since extra weight in your vehicle and dirt on the outside cause additional drag.
Pump It Up:
Check your tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and aligned. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage up to 3 percent. If you don’t know what the right pressure is for your tires and vehicle, consult your owner’s manual.
Overhaul Your Drive Style:
It’s hard to make changes, but if you really want to see increased gas mileage it’s suggested you avoid unnecessary idling, revving your engine and slamming on the brakes. It is recommended that you stop and start gently, use cruise control when possible and combine errands or carpool.
Roll On Down the Road:
The easiest and most rewarding step you can take to see immediate gas mileage improvement is to install a truck bed cover on your pickup. A truck bed cover, also known as a tonneau cover, will reduce drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. They are also great for protecting your gear from the elements and improving the look of your truck.
There are several different tonneau cover options available on the market today. The Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company, is an affordable and high-quality option. Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling larger items. The company estimates that you can save over $275 within the first year of installing an Access Roll-Up Cover on your truck bed.
Richard F. of Bismarck, N.D., knows firsthand the benefits of having a roll-up tonneau cover on his truck.
“I put on many highway miles during the year and in talking to other owners with a similar truck without a box cover, I am amazed at the savings in gas mileage I'm getting with my cover. The Access Roll-Up Cover is such an attractive addition to my truck. It really finishes the look I want."
Another customer remarks on the company’s Web site. “This is a great product! I noticed a half mile per gallon increase in the first 30 miles. Looks good too," says Michael H. of Grapevine, Texas.
For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover and to find out how much gas money you could save, visit www.agricover.com or call (888) 281-7098.