How To Improve Your Vehicle Mileage

Lowering a truck’s tailgate improves mileage
Drivers of pickup trucks have long assumed that lowering the tailgate is better for aerodynamics and therefore improves gas mileage. But according to Diane Bloch, an aerodynamic-performance engineer for General Motors, driving with the tailgate up is actually more aerodynamically efficient. She says that as air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. The benefits of that airflow are diminished when the tailgate is down.

Gas mileage drops as vehicles age
If you don't maintain your vehicle, of course its performance will degrade and so will fuel efficiency. But if you keep your vehicle properly maintained and see to any needed repairs, you shouldn't see any noticeable decline in fuel economy.

Manual transmissions get better mileage
Years ago, your transmission choices were usually a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Manual transmissions almost always achieved better mileage because a reasonably skilled driver could control engine revs through efficient shifting. But today's high-tech automatic transmissions are typically more competent and efficient than a driver using the combination of a clutch and stick shift.