How to Improve Gas Mileage in a Nissan Murano
by Arthur Barnhouse
The Nissan Murano was released in 2003 and represented Nissan's first entry into the crossover SUV market. Throughout the succeeding years, the Murano came equipped with a 3.5 Liter, V-6 engine capable of producing a respectable 245 horsepower. With the same basic engine and similar body styles, the '03 and '09 Nissan Muranos averaged approximately 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 23 on the highway. Regardless of your Murano's year, there are steps you can take to meet, and even exceed, these fuel economy benchmarks.
Step 1
Remove the cargo from your Nissan Murano. Extra weight translates to extra work for your engine, which cuts into fuel efficiency. Even an extra 100 lbs. of weight will cost you at the gas pump. Thus, avoid hauling unnecessary cargo when driving your Murano. Remove tool boxes or luggage, and uninstall oversized tires as well as any other aftermarket accessories.
Step 2
Do not haul anything on top of your Murano, even if it is equipped with a roof rack. Not only does this add extra weight, it ruins the aerodynamics of your SUV. This combination has a drastic and negative effect on your gas mileage.
Step 3
Keep your Murano's speed below 60 miles per hour. Once you begin to surpass 60 mph, your engine must work harder and you begin to lose fuel efficiency. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 5 miles per hour over 60 equates to an extra 24 cents per gallon of gas. Whenever possible, use your Murano's cruise control to help limit your speed.
Step 4
Maintain your Nissan Murano. Properly maintaining your engine will help it run more efficiently. This, in turn, will increase your gas mileage. Change the oil about every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Also, check your air filter frequently and clean or replace it when necessary. Clean, fresh oil and filters will boost your fuel economy.
Step 5
Check your Murano's tires to see if they are adequately inflated. Under-inflated tires cause extra strain on your engine and result in lower miles per gallon. Look at the sidewalls on your tires for the correct pressure.
Step 6
Avoid making excessive, wasteful trips in your Nissan Murano. Plan ahead and try to consolidate your errands so that you need only make one trip. When planning, choose routes that are expedient yet avoid heavy traffic areas, stoplights and mountainous terrain.
References
- True Delta: Nissan Murano Gas Mileage Survey Results
- U.S. Department of Energy: Gas Mileage of 2003 Nissan Murano
- U.S. Department of Energy: Gas Mileage of 2009 Nissan Murano
- Federal Trade Commission: Good, Better, Best - How to Improve Gas Mileage
- U.S. Department of Energy: Driving More Efficiently
Writer Bio
Arthur Barnhouse has written numerous short stories, contributed content to various websites and was an invited speaker at a university symposium on creative writing. He began writing in 2002 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Barnhouse has driven across the United States numerous times and draws upon his travel experiences in his writing.
