Jeeps are known more for their utility than for their fuel economy. The fact that we lift them and add large tires often adds to their thirst for fuel. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to save gas in your Jeep.
The single largest factor in how much gas your Jeep uses is how it is driven. Making smooth starts and driving at a steady speed will do more to save gas in your Jeep than any thing else you can do.
Large off road tires can add rolling resistance to your Jeep causing it to use more gas. Lower air pressure that makes them get more traction off road also causes them to be more resistant to rolling on pavement. Bringing tires back to full pressure when driving on the road will help save gas. Also, having a set of street tires can help save gas and reduce wear on your off road tires.
Having the right gear ratio will also keep your engine in the proper operating range for better fuel economy. As you go up in tire diameter, you also need to go up in gears to match. This will keep your engine operating in the proper RPM range for optimum efficiency.
Another simple way to save gas is to reduce the amount of stuff you carry around. Stronger bumpers, skid plates and winches all add weight and require more fuel to carry around. Any extra gear that can be removed and stowed between trips can help save gas. So, look at leaving the High Lift and other heavy items at home.
Low restriction air filter systems and a low restriction exhaust can also help save gas. Replacing the stock manifold with a header can add a small amount of engine efficiency. The stock system is very efficient and only small improvements can be expected. However, if the exhaust system is damaged, it may be adding fuel wasting restrictions. Dirty air filters and damaged air intake plenums can also reduce economy.
External accessories such as roof racks and wider fender flares will add aerodynamic drag to your Jeep. Keeping the exterior sleek will help save gas. So, put the spare tie inside or on the back and remove the safari rack when you are not using it.
A well lubricated vehicle will also have less drag and use less gas. Save gas by adding friction reducing oil additives to the engine at every oil change. Using a lighter weight oil can also help save gas. Check the owner's manual for the proper weight of oil for your Jeep's engine. I have had good results for adding Market America's Friction Free 3000 to each oil change.
Keeping the engine's ignition system in top shape will also help save gas. Fresh spark plugs and wires will ensure that every ignition cycle results in a complete burn. I use the Champion RC9YC plug gapped a bit wider than stock to increase gas mileage on my Jeeps. A high energy ignition system like a MSD or Jacobs will be helpful on older Jeeps but less improvement will be seen on modern engines that already have high energy systems stock. When changing the plug wires, it is a good idea to change the distributor cap and rotor to complete the renewing of the electrical system.
There are a few sensors that can reduce fuel economy in the engine if they malfunction. The most important is the oxygen sensor. If this sensor is damaged or contaminated, the computer may not inject the proper mixture of fuel. Replacing the oxygen sensor at the specified intervals may help you save gas. I have also found that the engine temperature sensor needs to provide correct information to he computer for optimum fuel economy. If you have a Cherokee and the electric fan is not coming on as expected, this sensor may be at fault. Replacing it will also help you save gas.
Several fuel additives have been promoted as ways to save gas. I have tried adding acetone and other chemicals but I have not seen any improvement in economy. However, occasionally adding SeaFoam to the fuel seems to help keep the injectors clean and helps with engine drivability with in turn helps save gas. I have also seen some benefit to using Market America's fuel enhancer. The MA fuel enhancer also helps keep the fuel level sending unit clean so that it correctly indicates the level in the tank. This sensor tends to pick up sulfates form the fuel causing it to not read correctly. The MA fuel enhancer seems to reduce this build up.
One last note on fuel; fuel with ethanol will increase fuel consumption. I have seen as much as 10% gas saving by using gasoline without ethanol added. In addition, I have found that fuel with ethanol tends to cause the idle air control valve to stick. If possible, avoid fuel that has had ethanol added.
Enjoy your Jeep and hopefully these tips will help you use a little less gas. Then you will have a little extra cash to spend on more Jeep modifications!
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