How to Improve Gas Mileage on a Honda Ridgeline
by Contributing Writer
The Honda Ridgeline is a four door, five passenger compact pickup with a V6, 250-horsepower engine that gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway. With that low fuel efficiency, Ridgeline owners need to do everything they can to increase the gas mileage on their vehicles. Here are a few tips to consider.
Step 1
Drive at constant, moderate speeds. Gas mileage is lower in the city because accelerating burns up much more fuel than traveling at a constant speed. When you are driving in traffic or on the highway, try to moderate your speed so you are not accelerating and slowing down unnecessarily. Use the cruise control feature on the highway when convenient. Gas mileage also decreases rapidly after you reach 60 miles per hour, according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Step 2
Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Get regular tune-ups. With the Ridgeline's V6 250-horsepower engine, replacing the spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter, according to Honda's recommended maintenance schedule, is important. Also, make sure you are using the proper grade of motor oil and gasoline. Keep your tires properly inflated according to the recommended psi level in your owner's manual. Under-inflated tires will cause more drag on your Ridgeline, lowering its fuel efficiency.
Step 3
Keep your truck light. Heavier vehicles require more gas to move. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk or your rear seats. If you do not even use the rear seating section, you might even want to consider removing it as well. The rear seats can easily be taken out by removing the six 14 mm bolts holding the seats and center seat belt in place.
Step 4
Limit air conditioner use. Using the air conditioner will demand more energy from your truck's engine. Try to use it sparingly at a temperature control setting that is not going to cause it to be on constantly. Conversely, if you are driving around with all your windows open, you will be greatly increasing drag on your truck. Try to find a balance between the two options.
Step 5
Install a cold air intake system. If changing your driving and maintenance habits aren't enough for you, consider adding an air intake system to your Ridgeline. Such a system replaces your stock intake tube with a wider pipe, filling your combustion chamber with more oxygen for igniting fuel with a more efficient mixture.
Step 6
Consider upgrading to a 2011 model. Honda has been listening to Ridgeline drivers complain about the low fuel efficiency of the truck. The company plans to focus on improving the truck's aerodynamics and powertrain to make it more fuel-efficient for its 2011 model. If trading in and up is an option for you, consider it.
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