How to Improve Nissan Titan Gas Mileage
by Tonya Cunningham
A Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck that averages 17 miles per gallon on the highway and 12 mpg in city driving for newer models. Although this is comparable to pickup trucks of similar size, owners can use a variety of methods to reduce the amount of fuel their hefty truck uses. By making a few changes, trips to the gas station will be less frequent and your engine will run at maximum efficiency.
Step 1
Use a tonneau cover on your Titan's bed. If you don't have one, this is an investment that will pay off with better gas mileage. The bed of a pickup truck creates aerodynamic pull, or "drag," while moving, forcing the engine to work harder against the gravitational resistance. When your engine is working harder, your gas consumption increases. The tonneau cover, which starts at about $220, prevents such resistance and frees your engine to do its job without fighting the wind.
Step 2
Clear your car of any unnecessary weight. Of course, pickup trucks are meant to haul things. However, using the bed of your pickup as a storage center will "weigh in" at the gas pump. If you are lugging items that you don't need regularly, consider moving those things to a garage or shed. The lighter your vehicle's load, the smoother your engine can run without draining the gas tank.
Step 3
Accelerate with care. Sudden bursts of speed, such as after a stop or while pulling out of a driveway, demand spurts of gasoline to feed your engine. Your Titan's gas mileage will increase significantly if you gently press the gas pedal and gradually build up to a steady coasting speed, thereby using the least amount of fuel.
Step 4
Check your tires for damage and air leaks on a regular basis. Although at a glance your tires may seem fine, you may be able to catch problems as soon as they begin by making it a habit to check the air pressure at each fill-up. Tires that are inflated to recommended levels lighten the workload of the engine, requiring less fuel.
Step 5
Bring your Titan to a mechanic for maintenance regularly. Oil changes prevent oil from becoming clumpy and slowing down the engine parts. Changing the air filter ensures that air flows freely through your engine to combine with fuel at the proper ratio, which will maximize your gas mileage. Spark plugs should be tested periodically to make sure they are not causing undue engine stress, and tires should be rotated at regular intervals to extend tread life and ensure proper weight balance. When your truck is in tip-top shape, your engine can do its job most efficiently.
References
Writer Bio
Born and raised in western New York, Tonya Cunningham attended Niagara University until 1992 as a pre-law student. Today, Cunningham is a legal assistant and freelance writer looking forward to the completion of her first book.
