Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest factors people consider when buying a new car, but what is it and how does it work? Fuel efficiency refers to how effectively a vehicle converts fuel into distance travelled. It is an essential aspect of automotive design and engineering, aimed at reducing fuel consumption and minimising environmental impact.
Several factors influence a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, including engine design, weight, aerodynamics, and driving conditions. Generally expressed in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km), higher fuel efficiency ratings indicate that a vehicle can travel further on less fuel.
Why Fuel Efficiency in your Ford Truck is Essential
Maximising fuel efficiency in your Ford truck can help reduce operating costs, minimise environmental impact, and extend the lifespan of your vehicle. Whether you drive a Ford F-150, Ranger, or Super Duty, making small adjustments to your driving habits and vehicle maintenance can yield significant fuel savings.
We’ve worked with Ford Trucks for many years now, so here are some of our practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of every drop of fuel.
Drive Smoothly and Steadily
Your driving habits play a crucial role in fuel consumption. Ford trucks, while powerful, tend to burn more fuel in some driving situations. Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and frequent stopping and starting can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Here’s how to improve your driving habits:
- Accelerate Gradually: Instead of hitting the pedal hard and fast, accelerate smoothly. This not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on the engine.
- Maintain a Steady Speed: Keeping a consistent speed reduces the need for constant braking and acceleration, which uses less fuel. On freeways, using cruise control can help maintain a steady speed, particularly in trucks like the Ford F-150 or Ranger which are designed for smooth cruising.
- Avoid Idling: Idling burns fuel without moving you anywhere. Modern Ford trucks are equipped with start-stop technology that can handle frequent restarts without causing engine damage, however, if you are going to be sitting somewhere for five to ten minutes or more, you are better off turning off the engine.
Use the Right Tires and Keep Them Properly Inflated
Tires play a pivotal role in your truck’s fuel economy. Under-inflated tires create more resistance on the road, requiring the engine to work harder and use more fuel.
- Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Most Ford trucks, including the F-150 and Ranger, come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when tire pressure is low, but it’s a good habit to check manually as well.
- Choose Low-Rolling Resistance Tires: If you’re in the market for new tires, consider tires with lower rolling resistance, which can help improve fuel efficiency. These tires are designed to reduce the energy loss as your tires roll, leading to better efficiency.
Reduce Unnecessary Weight
We know that you are probably transporting heavy equipment in the back of your truck, and Ford trucks are known for their hauling and towing capabilities, but carrying unnecessary weight can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Each additional 50 kilos can reduce your truck’s fuel efficiency by approximately 1%.
- Empty the Bed: If you’re not transporting tools, equipment, or other heavy loads, consider keeping the truck bed as empty as possible. A lighter truck uses less fuel.
- Remove Roof Racks or Accessories When Not in Use: While accessories like roof racks, ladder racks, or toolboxes are handy, they add weight and affect aerodynamics. Remove them when not in use to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
Keep Your Truck Well-Maintained
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your Ford truck runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine uses fuel more effectively, and regular check-ups can identify issues before they become fuel-draining problems.
- Keep Up with Oil Changes: Regular oil changes ensure your engine runs smoothly. Using the right oil for your truck helps improve fuel efficiency.
- Replace Air Filters: A clogged or dirty air filter can reduce fuel efficiency. It’s important to replace the air filter at recommended intervals to ensure proper airflow to the engine, improving performance and fuel economy.
- Check the Spark Plugs: Worn-out spark plugs can misfire and reduce engine efficiency, leading to higher fuel consumption. Regularly inspecting and replacing spark plugs will keep your engine running smoothly.
Use the Correct Fuel
Ford trucks are designed to operate optimally with a specific grade of fuel. While it may be tempting to use lower-grade fuel to save money, this can reduce fuel efficiency and cause long-term damage to the engine.
Check your manual for the recommended fuel grade for your specific Ford truck model. For most Ford trucks, regular unleaded fuel is sufficient, but high-performance models may require premium fuel.
While using the recommended fuel may be more expensive in the immediate time frame, long term, you will get better distance on a tank of fuel.
Utilise Technology Features for Fuel Savings
Modern Ford trucks come equipped with a variety of technology features designed to improve fuel economy.
- EcoBoost Engines: Many Ford trucks, including the popular F-150, are available with EcoBoost engines, which offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency. The EcoBoost system optimises engine performance by using turbocharging and direct injection to get more power from less fuel.
- Drive Mode Selection: Many newer Ford trucks offer drive mode selections like “Eco” mode, which adjusts throttle response and transmission shifts for more efficient driving. Using this mode when you’re not towing or hauling can improve your truck’s fuel economy.
- Fuel Economy Displays: Your truck’s dashboard likely includes a fuel economy display that shows real-time and average fuel consumption. Monitoring this can help you adjust your driving habits for maximum efficiency.
Optimise Aerodynamics
We know that trucks aren’t the most aerodynamic vehicles, but you can take steps to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Install a Tonneau Cover: A tonneau cover can significantly reduce aerodynamic drag by streamlining airflow over the truck bed. This can improve your truck’s fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Hard tonneau covers also provide you with a safe place to store tools and other belongings you carry with you.
- Avoid Open Windows at High Speeds: Driving with windows open creates extra drag, which forces the engine to work harder and use more fuel. At high speeds, it’s more efficient to use the air conditioning instead of rolling down the windows.
Plan Your Trips
No one likes spending more time than necessary in traffic. Efficient route planning can help reduce unnecessary driving and, in turn, save fuel. Combining multiple errands into one trip and avoiding traffic can prevent excessive fuel consumption.
- Use GPS or Apps: Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to find the most efficient routes, avoiding heavy traffic and roadblocks that cause unnecessary idling and fuel wastage.
- Avoid Peak Traffic: Whenever possible, plan your trips during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic, which can cause stop-and-go driving and decrease fuel efficiency.
Be Mindful of Your Load When Towing
Ford trucks are built for towing, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re hauling. Heavy loads can drastically reduce fuel efficiency.
- Use the Right Tow/Haul Mode: Many Ford trucks come equipped with Tow/Haul mode, which optimises the transmission for towing. While it ensures smooth towing, it’s important to use this feature only when towing to avoid unnecessary fuel use.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: When towing, make sure the weight is evenly distributed to reduce strain on the engine, improving both safety and fuel economy.
Maximising fuel efficiency in your Ford truck doesn’t require drastic changes but rather small, consistent adjustments to your driving and maintenance habits.
Whether you’re commuting, transporting, or exploring the open road, optimising fuel efficiency will ensure your Ford truck runs smoother and costs less to operate in the long run.
Looking to have your Ford truck serviced? Get in touch with our friendly team at F Trucks WA and let us keep your truck running smoothly.
