How to Improve the Gas Mileage for a Dodge Caravan
by Maggie McCormick
The Dodge Caravan makes an excellent family car, but at 25 miles per gallon on the highway—less on city streets—you surely want to think of ways that you can get better mileage. Fortunately, by making the right decisions when you purchase the vehicle and by paying close attention to your driving style, you can improve the gas mileage for your Dodge Caravan.
Step 1
Avoid putting items in the in-floor and overhead storage bins. The heavier a car is, the harder it is to move. This requires additional gas. You'll find that the Dodge Caravan features several convenient storage spaces, most notably, the ones in the floor and overhead. Use these if you absolutely must, but for everyday driving, be sure that they are empty.
Step 2
Purchase a Dodge Caravan with the 3.3-liter OHV FFV V6 engine. If you have this type of engine, you can use E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, which reduces your expenses and lowers emissions.
Step 3
Make use of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Having properly-inflated tires allows you to reduce the amount of gas that you use. Fortunately, with the Dodge Caravan, you don't have to mess around with a manual tire pressure gauge. The van features a tire pressure monitoring system that turns on a light if your tires need air.
Step 4
Perform regular engine maintenance. You can improve gas mileage simply by taking good care of your van. This includes regular oil changes and checkups. You should change oil every three months or every 3000 miles. Remember that the odometer on your Dodge Caravan is set to the size of the wheels that the vehicle came with, either 16- or 17-inch. If you change the wheel size, the odometer is not giving an accurate reading.
References
Writer Bio
Maggie McCormick is a freelance writer. She lived in Japan for three years teaching preschool to young children and currently lives in Honolulu with her family. She received a B.A. in women's studies from Wellesley College.
