Maximizing Fuel Economy: Adjusting Settings On Your Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a large, powerful truck with a thirsty, large-displacement V8 engine. As a result, it is not a fuel-efficient vehicle, and owners report a wide range of fuel economy figures, from 10 mpg to 22 mpg. However, there are some ways to improve the fuel economy of your Tundra.

Firstly, driving habits have a significant impact on fuel economy. Driving with a light foot, avoiding rapid acceleration, and keeping RPMs low can improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, coasting to stops and maintaining a steady speed on highways can help. Using features like adaptive cruise control, auto start/stop, and eco mode can further enhance fuel economy.

Some modifications to the vehicle can also help. Installing a cold air intake (CAI) or a tonneau cover, using lightweight tires with higher pressure, and keeping the vehicle well-maintained with regular fluid changes and clean filters may also improve fuel efficiency.

It's important to note that while these methods can help improve fuel economy, the gains may vary, and the most significant factor is still driving style. For those seeking even better fuel economy, it may be worth considering a more fuel-efficient vehicle for daily commutes or longer trips.

Driving habits: accelerate slowly, coast to stops, and avoid braking hard

Driving habits have a significant impact on fuel economy, and making a few simple changes can help you improve your Toyota Tundra's gas mileage. Here are some tips to help you accelerate slowly, coast to stops, and avoid hard braking:

• Accelerate slowly and steadily: Avoid revving the accelerator to high revolutions per minute (RPM). Your engine uses less fuel when it revolves at a slower speed and lower RPM. Instead of accelerating hard, practice predictive driving by looking ahead and planning your next move. Start accelerating before reaching the foot of a hill rather than waiting until you're close to it.
• Avoid aggressive braking: Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as you will need to accelerate again. Instead, try to slow down as you approach a red light or stop sign, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Use cruise control (for automatic transmissions) and higher gears (for manual transmissions): These features can help keep your speed constant, reducing the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) and lowering fuel consumption.
• Maintain a safe distance: Following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you can lead to sudden braking and increased fuel consumption.
• Plan your route: Whenever possible, avoid stop-and-go traffic and high-traffic routes. This will help you minimise the number of stops and reduce the pressure on your engine, resulting in better fuel economy.
• Minimise idling: If you need to wait for someone or something, turn off your engine if you'll be waiting for more than three minutes. As long as your engine is on, it's burning fuel, even when idling.

By adopting these driving habits and maintaining proper vehicle maintenance, you can improve your Toyota Tundra's fuel economy and save money on fuel costs.

Use synthetic oil and fluids

Using synthetic oil and fluids can help improve the fuel economy of your Toyota Tundra. Synthetic oil is a lubricant that can extend the time between oil changes and improve the overall performance of your vehicle. While it may cost more upfront, synthetic oil tends to even out in terms of cost over time.

For your Toyota Tundra, it is recommended to use 0W-20 fully synthetic motor oil for maximum performance. However, if you have special performance needs, such as towing heavy loads, you may need to use an oil formulated for those specific requirements. Additionally, if you have a high-mileage vehicle, consider using a high-mileage motor oil designed for older cars.

When it comes to changing your oil, you can refer to your owner's manual for guidance. Generally, with conventional motor oil, you would need to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, with synthetic motor oil, you can go longer between changes, but it is always good to consult your service technician for their expertise and recommendations.

In addition to synthetic motor oil, you can also consider using synthetic fluids in other parts of your Toyota Tundra to improve fuel economy. This includes using synthetic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and differential fluid. These synthetic fluids can help reduce friction and improve the overall efficiency of your vehicle's systems.

Keep in mind that while synthetic oil and fluids can help improve fuel economy, driving habits and proper maintenance also play a significant role. Maintaining a consistent speed, driving within speed limits, and avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking can all contribute to better fuel efficiency. Additionally, regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and tyre pressure checks, can also enhance your vehicle's performance and fuel economy.

Keep your tires properly inflated

Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the most important things you can do to improve fuel economy and take care of your tires. Underinflated tires decrease your Toyota Tundra's gas mileage, wear out your tires faster, and make your vehicle harder to steer. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, blow out more easily, wear out faster, and can cause unsafe handling dynamics.

To ensure you have the correct tire pressure for your Tundra, check the sticker on the driver's side door, which indicates the recommended tire pressure. Do not use the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall of your tires. It is best to check the tire pressure in the morning before the car has been used or when you have driven it for less than a mile. As you drive your Tundra, the air inside the tires warms up and expands, so checking the tire pressure when the car has not been driven recently will give you an accurate reading.

Many vehicles, including some models of the Toyota Tundra, are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor in each wheel to detect the tire pressure. The TPMS light should illuminate briefly when you start your car, then turn off afterward. If your tire pressure light keeps coming on or is blinking, you likely have low tire pressure in your tires. Inflate the tires to the proper pressure and drive your vehicle a few miles; the tire pressure light will reset and turn off.

If the TPMS light does not turn off, there may be a problem with the TPMS system, and you will need to take your vehicle to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Eventually, the battery in the TPMS sensors will die, and the tire pressure sensor will need to be replaced to get the Toyota Tundra tire pressure light off.

Reduce weight: remove unnecessary items from the truck

To improve the fuel economy of your Toyota Tundra, you can reduce its weight by removing unnecessary items from the truck bed and cabin. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed, such as extra spares or heavy equipment.
• Consider removing the spare tire and jack from the truck. These items can be left at home or in a garage and only taken on long-distance trips if necessary.
• Remove any heavy aftermarket additions, such as a large stereo system with subwoofers, or a heavy tool box.
• Take out any unnecessary weight from the cabin, such as the rear seat and package tray. These can weigh up to 50 pounds and their removal can be done quickly and without tools.
• Remove heavy items from the glove compartment and centre console, such as old maps, tools, or other accumulated items.
• Consider replacing heavy stock parts with lightweight alternatives. For example, you could replace your steel driveshaft with an aluminium one, or opt for lightweight carbon-ceramic brake disc brake rotors and aluminium hats.
• If you have a heavy keyring with multiple keys and accessories, consider keeping non-essential keys at home.
• Keep the truck clean and free of dirt, debris, and clutter. Regularly vacuum the cabin and bed of the truck to prevent the accumulation of weight.

Remember, even small weight reductions can make a difference in fuel efficiency and help you carry more load. Additionally, a lighter truck can provide the flexibility to add more fuel-efficient components, such as aerodynamic packages, further improving your Tundra's performance.

Use a tonneau cover to improve aerodynamics

Adding a tonneau cover to your Toyota Tundra can be a great way to improve its aerodynamics and, consequently, its fuel economy. While there are other factors at play that can affect your mileage, a tonneau cover can help reduce drag and make your truck more efficient. Here's how:

Reduced Drag

The main benefit of a tonneau cover is its ability to reduce drag. Your truck bed can act like a parachute, catching wind and making it harder for your engine to pull the vehicle. A tonneau cover eliminates this parachute effect, allowing your truck to move more easily through the air. This not only saves fuel but also reduces strain on your engine, potentially extending its lifespan.

Fuel Savings

When it comes to automotive expenses, fuel costs can be a significant burden, especially with larger trucks that require a lot of fuel. While a tonneau cover may not offer a huge increase in fuel efficiency, it can still make a difference. According to some tests, a tonneau cover could save you up to around $53 per year on average. Over time, this could potentially pay for the cost of the cover itself.

Component Protection

In addition to improving aerodynamics, a tonneau cover also protects the components underneath your truck bed. By shielding your bed and bed liner from the elements, a tonneau cover can help prevent damage to essential parts like the differential and driveshaft, which can be expensive to replace.

Types of Tonneau Covers

Different types of tonneau covers offer varying levels of drag reduction. Hard tonneau covers, made from rigid materials, typically provide the best drag reduction due to their tight seal around the bed. Soft tonneau covers, made from fabric or canvas, offer slightly less drag reduction but can still enhance aerodynamics by keeping air out of the bed. Retractable covers are similar to soft covers but can be easily pulled back when needed.

Other Benefits

Even if fuel savings aren't your primary concern, tonneau covers offer a range of other advantages:

• Organization: They turn your bed into a secure storage compartment, keeping your tools and gear protected and organized.
• Bed Protection: By blocking out the elements, tonneau covers help maintain the condition of your bed and liner.
• Security: Many tonneau covers can be locked, keeping your valuables safe.
• Appearance: They give your truck bed a sleek, finished look.
• Resale Value: A quality tonneau cover can make your truck more attractive to potential buyers when it's time to resell.

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency

If you're looking to further improve your Toyota Tundra's fuel efficiency, consider these additional tips:

• Ensure Proper Fitment: Make sure your tonneau cover fits your truck bed properly by measuring before purchasing.
• Slow Down: Driving at lower speeds can significantly improve fuel efficiency.
• Accelerate and Brake Wisely: Avoid hard acceleration and braking, which can reduce your mileage.
• Use Cruise Control: This can help you maintain a steady speed and avoid heavy acceleration.
• Cut Extra Weight: Remove any unnecessary weight from your bed to lighten the load on your engine.
• Maintain Tire Pressure: Proper tire inflation can boost efficiency, so check your tires regularly.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep up with your truck's maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Frequently asked questions