5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

03 August 2022

Drivers everywhere today are concerned with the rising cost of fuel. But that shouldn’t mean that the answer is to avoid driving a pickup truck.

The best solution for any vehicle owner today is to find innovative ways to save on the cost of fuel.

The good news is that several exist, and don’t require much effort.

5 Major Ways Of Improving The Fuel Efficiency Of A Truck

1. Is it Still Worthwhile to Buy a Truck?

For some people, a truck is an essential tool they own for getting the job done when it comes to their means of earning a living. Others love the freedom they enjoy as truck owners who own a vehicle that can accomplish a versatile list of tasks.

Whether or not either one of these reasons motivates you to drive a truck properly, you shouldn’t have to compromise. Try out these tips for decreasing fuel consumption to find an excellent new truck at your Jeep Dodge Ram dealership next time you need one.

2. Ease Up on the Gas

You’ll burn less fuel if you drive in a more relaxed style. Aggressive driving causes you to accelerate even when you’re about to stop soon after. This means you’re burning much more fuel than is needed to drive to your destination. Ease up on your foot while driving to ensure you’re not using up fuel needlessly.

3. Don’t Sit Idling

Many people allow their vehicles to sit while idling for long periods when they could quickly turn off the ignition to save fuel. It might not seem like much time has passed or that much gas is burning away while you’re merely sitting, but the cost will accumulate over time.

Imagine burning a dollar bill every day because it is a small amount of money. This is what you’re doing every time you sit in your truck while it idles.

4. Haul Less Weight

Every extra pound you add to your truck increases the fuel required to run it. Try to remember to check the bed of your truck before you travel far to ensure you haven’t left anything heavy sitting there. If you’re hauling around a load of wood every time you drive, you’re spending a lot more on that load than you think.

5. Keep Your Tires Properly Aligned

When your tires go out of alignment, it causes more traction. Consequently, it takes more fuel to travel in your truck. Schedule a tire alignment regularly to avoid wasting more gas in this way.

Other Maintenance

Besides these issues, there could be a number of other unknown factors causing your truck to burn more fuel. The best way to avoid this is to take your truck to a mechanic for regular maintenance checks, so they can tell you if there are any problems.

Like any other vehicle, it is inevitable that your truck will burn some fuel. You can help to offset these costs by paying close attention to these five tips. You should also discuss this issue with your used truck dealer before you buy to find out the most fuel-efficient option you can buy. Talk to a used Dodge Ram dealer for more info.

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8 Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Bed Liner for Your Truck

It’s no surprise that pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles in the United States. In fact, 2.8 million trucks sold in 2017 alone! Though those trucks get used for both business and daily life, there’s one thing all truck owners have in common: the desire to protect their ride. And installing a truck bed liner is one of the best ways to upgrade and protect your truck. But there’s more to buying a liner than picking the cheapest option. You need to find the right type for your needs. Starting your search? Here are a few things to consider when browsing through your options. 1. Budget: Some truck bed liners cost more than others. Simple spray-on liners can be more affordable than the removable trays or heavy-duty permanent liners. Before you start considering your options, think about how much you want to spend on the liner. This will help you narrow down your options. Remember, even a light-duty liner is better than an exposed truck bed. No matter what your budget is, installing even the most affordable liner is in your truck’s best interest. 2. The Condition of Your Truck Bed: Corrosion is a major problem for any metal truck bed. And it forms quickly. Once the paint and protective coatings get scraped away, the metal underneath loses its protective moisture barrier. That moisture leads to rust which eats through the metal and weakens the structural integrity of the truck bed over time. If your truck bed still has the protective layer of paint and clear coat, you’re fine with any liner option. The spray-on truck bed liner will act as an additional protective barrier for the bed. And the bed itself is strong enough to support the load without help. But if you have rust buildup in your truck bed, you’ll want to look at a liner that offers additional structural support. Hard rubber and plastic liners hold their shape. This helps spread weight throughout the bed when carrying a heavy load. The less weight on those rusted and damaged parts of your truck, the longer the truck bed will last. 3. How Much Maintenance You Can Handle: Some bed liners last longer than others. And some are virtually maintenance-free. Spray liners can wear away over time and you’ll have to reapply them every few years. If the bed gets scratched and damages the spray liner, you’ll need to reapply the liner to cover the damage. Rubber liners are far more durable and require minimal maintenance. All you need to do is remove them a few times a year to give them a good cleaning. You don’t want to clean the liner in the bed as it can trap water between the metal and the rubber itself. This increases your risk of corrosion and rust. Though removing the liner is time-consuming, they require less maintenance in the long run. You can spray down polyethylene or plastic liners right in the truck bed, saving you time and energy. They’re uniquely durable and resistant to cracks, making them incredibly low maintenance. 4. Removable vs Permanent Liner: Some people prefer the convenience of removable liners. They’re easy to clean and can be switched out between trucks with similar bed sizes. Others prefer a permanent liner. Permanent liners can be lower maintenance when they’re installed correctly. But they can’t get switched out from one truck to another. If you plan on selling your truck in the near future, a removable liner might be the best option. But if you go with a permanent liner, you’ll increase the resale value of your truck. Either way, it’s a win-win and the right choice is really a matter of personal preference. 5. How You Use the Truck: Different liners work best for different tasks. Before you decide, think about how you use your truck. Do you regularly haul heavy equipment that needs to stay put in transit? Then a textured permanent bed liner will be the best choice. It will help keep those heavy loads in place when the truck is in motion. If you haul small loads or make frequent deliveries on your own, a smooth liner will make unloading easier. Items will slide right down the bed to the tailgate so you can unload quickly. Regardless, spray-on, permanent plastic liners, and removable rubber liners are all impact-resistant. You’ll still have protection for those unexpected potholes that jar your entire load. 6. Ease of Installation: Are you looking to install the bed liner on your own or do you want to have someone install it for you? Permanent liners are best installed by a professional. This helps protect your truck’s paint job and guarantees that the liner itself fits the bed perfectly. Most spray-on liners and permanent plastic liners should be installed by a professional. But if you’re looking for an easy installation you can handle yourself, removable rubber liners are the way to go. Drop-in truck bed liners sit flush against the truck bed and installation takes a matter of minutes. 7. How You Store Your Truck: All liners last longer when the truck is kept in a covered parking spot like a carport or garage. But if you leave your truck outside in the elements, you’ll want to invest in either a spray-on liner or permanent plastic liner. These options protect your truck bed from moisture, plant matter, and sap which can all damage the paint and metal underneath. Keep in mind that the materials may break down more quickly if the truck stays parked in the sun most days. But if you keep your truck in a covered parking area, any liner will work just fine. 8. What Color Liner You Want: Truck liners used to be plain black and boring. But modern liners come in almost any color you can imagine. Think about whether you want to match the paint job for the truck bed or if you’re fine with a contrasting color. There’s no right or wrong answer. But color can impact the price you pay. Some colors may cost more than the standard options. Upgrade Your Truck: A truck bed liner is a great way to upgrade your truck and protect your investment. But there’s more you can do to improve your ride. Check out our latest posts for more helpful tips. Read Also: Things To Do Before Bed For A Perfect Night’s Sleep Seven Simple Ways For Achieving Cozy Bedroom Environment: For Perfectly Night Sleep

Legal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck Accident

Truck accidents are presumably the most fatal crashes since they involve large vehicles. The accident can damage the vehicle and cause injuries like spinal injury, broken bones, head injuries, scarring, and more. If you or your loved ones are involved in a truck crash, the first step of the legal process should be fault determination. Otherwise, it will be hard to get compensation. You must prove that the other party was negligent and is responsible for your damages. And this makes it vital to hire an accident attorney. What affects fault after truck accidents in Arizona? 1. The cause of the accident A Peoria Truck Accident Attorney will tell you that various factors contribute to truck accidents. These may include negligence, drunk driving, faulty vehicles, reckless driving, and many more. For factors like drunk driving and reckless driving, you'll not only get compensated, but the driver may spend years in jail. 2. The number of parties at fault There may be one or more parties responsible for the accident. For instance, if different drivers play a role in causing the accident, this may complicate the case. Also, the cargo company may be liable for improper maintenance of the vehicle. Similarly, cargo loaders may be at fault for not securing the load as required. 3. Whether there's shared fault Shared fault is whereby both parties are responsible for causing the accident. You can still file a compensation claim in Arizona if you bear the responsibility of causing the crash. However, you'll qualify for a lesser settlement amount than you would if you weren't liable. Also, the attorney will scrutinize all the evidence to justify that the other party is responsible. What are the common types of evidence in truck accident cases? Truck driver logs showing the number of hours the driver was on duty before the accident. Electronic logs from the truck's data recorder, the device records various details about the truck. These can be, for instance, a GPS position, speed, driver inputs, engine operation speed, engine operation, and camera footage. Results from alcohol or drug tests performed on the truck driver after the accident. The load manifest which shows the type of cargo in the truck and how it was loaded. Truck inspection & maintenance records to ascertain the condition of the vehicle Eyewitness statements Surveillance camera videos Post-accident tuck inspection reports What's the role of the insurance company in fault determination? Following the truck accident, you will most likely begin the process of seeking financial compensation for your injuries and losses by filing a compensation claim with the drivers' insurance company. The insurers' decision on whether or not to compensate is contingent on their determination of liability for the accident. If the insurance company determines that the other party wasn't liable for the accident, your claim will be denied. Wrapping up Truck accident cases are complex, and you can only improve your likelihood for compensation by hiring a skilled truck accident attorney. The professional will gather adequate evidence to prove you deserve compensation for the damages. Read Also: What to Do if You’re in an Accident with a Placarded Truck in Tampa The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes

Signs Of A Bad Transmission Valve Body And How To Fix It

For vehicles with an automatic transmission, you want to ensure the valve body will work, especially since this important equipment serves as the main control center of the vehicle. The process works by directing the pressurized transmission fluid to a network of valves that will assemble the right clutch packs. The valves will then draw on the pressure from the various hydraulic signals to determine the gear set to use. When it stops working, there can be some issues with your vehicle. Modern automatic transmission valve bodies will come with their own sensors. This helps to measure the different aspects of the transmission, including the engine load, throttle position, pedal position, brakes, and speed. It will then send this information to the onboard engine management computer, which helps the rest of the vehicle perform properly and alerts you when there is a significant problem with the transmission. It is essential to know the signs that your transmission is going bad. Recognizing some of the main signs of a bad transmission allows you to get it to a mechanic to fix it long before you are stuck on the side of the road. With the proper fix, your vehicle will shift gears, which can lead to a stall-out when on the road. What Are The Signs Of A Bad Transmission? The first items to explore are common indicators that your transmission is not working correctly for you. These signs are often noticeable, even if you do not realize that the transmission is the main problem that is causing them. Some of the common signs of a bad transmission include: You hear banging or knocking noises in the vehicle, especially when applying pressure to the brakes. The car slows down when you put it into reverse or try to drive backward. The shifting stick will often slip when you try to change the gears. When you downshift the vehicle, you may notice that the transition is not smooth. You face problems when it is time to change the gears to drive or go in reverse. The vehicle's transmission tends to get stuck when you put it into neutral. When you notice any of the signs above, getting the transmission checked out immediately is important. Ignoring the problem can make it worse and result in an expensive vehicle repair. Diagnosing And Replacing Your Transmission When you notice some of the signs above, it is time to look at diagnosing the problem and then getting the transmission replaced as soon as possible. Your local automotive mechanic will have the necessary diagnostic tools to check whether the transmission is the problem. You can take it to the body shop and have them run a test to see whether the transmission is the issue or not. They can also see whether it is an electronic or a mechanical failure and provide the right solution for your vehicle. The average cost for a transmission valve body piece is between $200 to $1000, depending on the type of vehicle. This can make the total cost of valve body work to range from $400 to $1500 for most vehicles. You will need to add in the labor cost of having the mechanic do the work, which can range from two to four hours, depending on their tools and experience. While this is an expensive vehicle component, keeping you safe is worth the investment. While it is possible to do the work on your transmission by yourself, this can take time, and many car owners worry they need to gain the skills to get it done. Working with a certified mechanic may be expensive. Still, it can help complete the work quickly and prevent further vehicle problems. How To Replace The Transmission? A few steps are necessary to help replace the transmission and ensure it continues working well in your vehicle afterward. The steps include: The vehicle is raised up and supported well. After you have positioned the jack stands to ensure proper safety and support, lower them so the vehicle rests securely. Remove the vacuum hose leading from the intake manifold to the transmission modulator valve. Pull the hose off here and check whether any transmission fluid is inside. If you find some in there, this is a significant indication that the manifold is defective. Remove your modulator valve. You can do this by carefully removing the bolts from the bracket that is holding them into place. Install the new transmission modulator valve. You can do this by placing the actuating rod into the hole of your new valve. Then take your time to insert the valve into the receptacle hole too. Reinstall the bracket on the modulator, taking the time to secure it with bolts. Reconnect your vacuum hose to the transmission modulator valve and the intake manifold. When you feel confident that everything is in the right place, remove the jack stands -- you are free to once more enjoy your vehicle. Replacing this part can help ensure the transmission is in good working order, and you will have no further problems. If you do not feel comfortable doing the work on your own, you can take it to an auto body shop, and they can help you replace your transmission too. The Bottom Line Your transmission is responsible for many functions within the vehicle. When it works well, you can enjoy a smooth ride that will take you anywhere. But when something is wrong with the transmission, you need to fix it immediately. The cost of fixing this issue will depend on the cost of the broken part and how much the mechanic you choose will require as a labor fee to get the work done. Getting the transmission fixed quickly will help your car last longer and can stop some of the harmful side effects of driving with a faulty transmission. Whether you do it yourself or trust the professionals, fixing the transmission can extend the life of your vehicle. Read Also: Useful Tips About Mobile Car Detailing To Avoid Any Costly Maintenance And Repair Issues Car won't Start After Getting Gas – How To Fix This Problem? What Do You Need To Change Car Rims?

5 Ways To Improve The Fuel Efficiency Of Your Truck

5 Major Ways Of Improving The Fuel Efficiency Of A Truck