How to Improve an Xterra's Fuel Economy

Slow down. Even if the miles you travel are "highway miles," as speed increases, fuel consumption increases. Most Interstate Highways have a 70 mile per hour speed limit; if you drive 80 miles per hour, you get there faster--by 8-1/2 seconds per mile. Over 100 miles, that means you arrive about a minute and a half earlier.

Limit your "four-wheeling." This may be a major recreational activity for you, but it increases fuel consumption by about 20% over normal highway driving.

Don't buy cheap gas. As odd as this seems, your Xterra was designed to deliver its best performance using a mid-grade or premium gasoline. This means a higher cost at the pump, but also better mileage. While you're at the gas station, check your tire pressure; incorrect pressures lower gas mileage.

Keep track of your activities and keep track of your mileage. Use one of the two trip meter settings to track your mileage by resetting it every time you pull into the gas station. Keep your receipts for gasoline in the glove box or console and take note of the mileage before you clear the trip meter. Use a calculator to determine just how many miles you got out of your last gasoline purchase by diving the number of miles traveled by the number of gallons purchased. Compare your activities in the vehicle to the mileage; you'll be surprised how much gasoline certain activities consume.

Use the cruise control when you're on the highway. Nothing eats up more gasoline in long-distance travel than constantly varying your speed. Set the cruise control at or just below the speed limit. People will pass you, perhaps get upset with you, but your mileage will improve and you can take comfort in the thought that, if a State Trooper is lurking around the next bend, you can wave at the person who passed you--as he sits on the side of the road while the Trooper gives him a "fast-driving award."