How to Increase Fuel Mileage on a Nissan Frontier
by Erin McManaway
When the price of gas rises, it causes a ripple effect that increases the cost of many goods and services across the country. Everyone is looking for more ways to conserve and save money, especially when it comes to truck owners. Based on the "Fuel Economy Guide" published by the U.S. Department of Energy, a Nissan Frontier gets an average of 17 miles to the gallon in the city and about 21 miles to the gallon on the highway, depending on the transmission type and speed. However, there are a number of easy things that you can do to get the best gas mileage out of your Nissan Frontier.
Step 1
Accelerate and brake gradually. If you're the first to accelerate at the green light, braking quickly to stop at the red or driving over the speed limit, chances are you're wasting gas. When you brake quickly, this wastes the momentum that your vehicle has built up and the gas that was consumed to reach that speed. Gradually accelerating and braking, and observing the speed limit, could increase your gas mileage by nearly 33% on the highway and 5% in the city.
Step 2
Do not exceed the speed limit. Not only is this safer driving, but it will also help to save gas, especially on the highway. Keep in mind that for every 5 miles over 60 miles per hour you drive, you are using an additional $0.24 per gallon.
Step 3
Use your cruise control. One way to keep from speeding is by setting your cruise control for long trips on the highway. By keeping your speed consistent and avoiding those small fluctuations, you can get better gas mileage out of your Nissan.
Step 4
Clean out your Nissan and remove any unnecessary weight. Trucks are made for hauling, but when you don't need to haul, be sure to remove any extra weight. While this tends to affect smaller cars more, carrying an extra 100 pounds can reduce your miles per gallon up to 2%.
Step 5
Say "no" to idling. Sitting stationary and running your engine still consumes gas. If you're not going anywhere for a while, shut the engine off and save that gas for when you need to travel.
Step 6
Tune your engine regularly. It makes sense that when an engine gets dirty or clogged, or runs roughly, it will use more gas. Your mileage can improve up to 40% by making sure that your engine is regularly tuned and maintained.
Step 7
Check your tire pressure. Tires low on air will cause a vehicle to consume more gas than needed. Your mileage can improve by up to 3.3% simply by keeping tires regularly checked and properly inflated. A sticker on the inside of your door, or your owner's manual, will provide you with information on proper tire pressure.
References
Warnings
- Cruise control is useful for long trips on the highway but not suggested for driving around town, where there may be many times you need to stop.
Writer Bio
Erin McManaway holds a B.A. in professional writing from Francis Marion University, where she earned the Richard B. Larsen Memorial Award for Business and Technical Writing. She has worked in materials development, media and information technology in the nonprofit sector since 2006. McManaway has also been a writer and editor since 2008.
