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Chevrolet Silverado: How to Improve Your MPG

Learn what's sending you back to the pump more quickly than other Chevy Silverado motorists.

By Charlie Gaston - May 26, 2015
Contributors: basilkies

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500(1999-present).

The key to superior fuel economy is in your driving style and following your maintenance schedule to the letter, or as directed by a trusted mechanic (or Chevy dealer). A sure way to see your gas mileage decrease is by riding the brake and throwing a lot of abuse at your truck. However, if you invest in your ride, driving with some awareness of your speed as well as stopping habits will save you big at the pump. This no-nonsense savings guide will give you the real-world tips you need to improve the condition of your truck, while increasing fuel economy.

Materials Needed

  • Silverado Tonneau cover
  • Engine oil and filter
  • Premium fuel

Step 1 – Ease off the brake

When approaching a stop sign, red or yellow traffic signal up ahead, ease off the brake and coast toward the stop. Do the same when preparing to make a turn. This simple step will not only save you money in fuel costs, but protect your truck (i.e., brakes, tires, rotors, calipers) from damage due to hard or fast braking.

Figure 1. How you stop your vehicle affects the MPG.

Pro Tip

Gently let your foot off the gas as your vehicle slowly coasts forward.

Step 2 – Open your windows

When traveling up to 45 MPH, lower your windows in lieu of running the air conditioner to increase fuel economy. Conversely, when traveling at a speed above 45 MPH, run the air conditioner in lieu of lowering your windows because the rough air could create a drag on your truck and lower your gas mileage.

Figure 2. Vent your truck at low to moderate speeds, when possible.

Pro Tip

It is also suggested installing a truck cover, tailgate protector, or cargo net to help fast winds flow over the truck bed more easily. A soft or hard Chevy Silverado Tonneau cover is recommended, which can retail online for $200-$2,000 in retractable, hinged, roll up, and folding varieties.

Step 3 – Stick to "top tier" gas and premium quality oil

Not all sources of gasoline are created equal. Check to see if your local gas station supplier is a "top tier," and make responsible decisions on when as well as where to fuel up. Follow your maintenance schedule to the letter, topping up your oil every 7,000 miles and fueling your truck with premium quality gasoline.

Figure 3. Your Silverado needs clean engine oil.

Pro Tip

Have a mechanic change your oil and filter regularly for increased fuel economy. Missing even one scheduled oil change could increase the number of trips you need to make to the pump.

Step 4 – Follow your maintenance schedule

Have your truck serviced regularly, and pay special attention to your brakes, engine, and tires. Ideally, tires should be rotated every 3,000 miles, and your brakes should be flushed every 100,000 miles. Also, replace all of your fluids, and change out hoses as well as fan belts every 100,000 miles. Finally, be aware of your driving habits. Coast while on the interstate, and minimize idling in low temperatures for the best fuel economy year-round.

Pro Tip

Try to reduce your speed to 65 MPH when traveling on the highway.

Step 5 – Consider other factors

There are other factors that can weigh your truck down and add to decreased MPG overall. For example, lifting your truck negatively affects MPG. A higher truck means bad air flow and more drag underneath the truck. In addition, bigger tires increase the circumference of the rolling weight, thus placing more strain on the engine. Overall, you can expect anywhere from 10-16 MPG with a lifted Silverado 1500.

Figure 5. Lifting negatively affects MPG.

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