Boost fuel economy

[George Owens]

I just got my 08 tahoe lt about 2 weeks ago I know it needs an oil pressure sending unit switch and something with the evap I gotta change under the spare tire I forgot what it was called. I changed the oil and replaced the air filter. I know I gotta change the sparkplugs but with these newer cars do you also change the short wire or they are fine? My other car is 01 Monte Carlo ss. Also what can I do to boost fuel economy my app says I get round 11.9 mpg and the one on the truck says about 11.2

 

[njracer]

Also what can I do to boost fuel economy my app says I get round 11.9 mpg and the one on the truck says about 11.2

Best way to boost fuel economy is to sell the truck and buy something that gets better MPG. These things are PIGS!

 

[mizzouguy]

Drive like a grandma and away from the city lol. I get 10-12 city or if I'm driving like a madman. 17-19 highway cruising. A new air filter and good plugs are about all you can do assuming everything else is ok. Clean maf, clean throttle body, check upstream 02 sensors, check your tire pressures, take out extra weight, etc.

 

[08HoeCD]

Amazing how often people want to get great fuel economy and quick 1/4-mile times with these big girls.

 

[about20ninj45]

Engine tune will also improve fuel economy. As for the Evap, charcoal canister is what you need to replace.

 

[George Owens]

Engine tune will also improve fuel economy. As for the Evap, charcoal canister is what you need to replace.

No it was the evap vent solenoid I had to look for the code again

 

[George Owens]

Amazing how often people want to get great fuel economy and quick 1/4-mile times with these big girls.

Hey I just want good fuel economy

 

[swathdiver]

Bump up the air pressure in your tires 5-10 pounds; but not enough to wear the center of the tread.

 

[iamdub]

Hey I just want good fuel economy

Then why'd you buy a Tahoe? Or do you mean "good fuel economy" as far as Tahoes go? At 11-12 MPG, you must be doing all city driving and that's about the MPG you're gonna get. Cruising on a road trip, you should see 20ish. If considerably lower, then you may have a problem either with your right foot or with the engine's efficiency.

 

[iamdub]

Bump up the air pressure in your tires 5-10 pounds; but not enough to wear the center of the tread.

I've steadily been increasing the pressure from the factory specs a couple pounds at a time and gauging the treadwear every 6,000 miles when I rotate the tires. I forget what PSI I'm at now, but the tread looks fine and the average MPG is up by at least 1, conservatively speaking. I'm due for another oil change/rotation in less than 1,000 miles. I'll up the pressure a little more and be able to see quick results since I'll be taking trip in a few weeks. I'll also run mid- or even high-octane because I swear it gets at least 1MPG better with 89 or higher. If I remember, I'll post my results here.

 

[08HoeCD]

Hey I just want good fuel economy

haha
As stated above, these vehicles don't get good fuel economy as compared with most other vehicles. But to get the best that you can expect from them, just do what you would with any vehicle: maintain it well, keep your tires properly inflated and all fluids & systems in top condition, and adopt or maintain a very conservative driving style---no smashing the gas pedal.

I've been driving my 2008 for just over a year and my regular average is just under 15 mpg. I have never seen any fuel economy averages better than 18 mpg...but most of my driving is 'city.'

IDGAF. My last car was a muscle car and my fuel economy around town was the same. Now I have a ton more utility and a few more seats, and I don't worry about getting door dings, and I can haul larger items easily.

 

[HotCarl]

Replace fuel filter, put a K&N air filter in, or just clean it if you already have one. Bump up tire pressure and drive like granny as others mentioned. Throw some seafoam in the gas and oil, and see if there is any improvement.

I got nearly 20 MPG on my last road trip and see about 16 consistently doing mixed city/highway driving. I do have a burb which is heavier but it has the 6 speed trans, and you have the 4 speed, right?

 

[Danny3737]

Unless your vehicle is carbureted, a K&N filter is not worth the money
As far as added tire pressure, I would stick with what is on the door jam of your car. Increasing tire pressure may decrease your rolling resistance a little, but it will also increase your stopping distance ( especially in wet conditions )which to me is way more important than saving a few bucks at the pump.

 

[George Owens]

Good ideas to all I'll do the seafoam that worked for my Monte Carlo, I was deff talking about good mileage for a Tahoe duh . I still need to change the sparkplugs when I get a chance

 

[swathdiver]

Unless your vehicle is carbureted, a K&N filter is not worth the money

Can you elaborate on that statement?

 

[Danny3737]

Can you elaborate on that statement?

Your vehicles computer system will adjust for the air flow coming in to the engine. Older cars with carbs didn't do that. I've never seen a test on newer cars that an oiled air filter offers any benefit.

 

[swathdiver]

Got it thanks! Well, in my racing days we picked up .25 tenths of a second and around 2-1/2 mph in the 1/4 mile by switching to the cone shaped K&N filter and their predecessors.

I had a stock appearing car and changing the paper element out for an oiled K&N of the same dimensions within the factory housing was good for a tenth and 1 mph.

Those were computerized cars from the 1980s with MAP and MAS sensors. Having said that and in light of your comments, doesn't that make sense then, that the less restrictive filter allows the computer to adjust for more power?

One fellow on here recently said that his truck picked up 2-1/2 mile per gallon in fuel efficiency with a CAI system.

 

[CamReynolds]

Drive like a grandma and away from the city lol. I get 10-12 city or if I'm driving like a madman. 17-19 highway cruising. A new air filter and good plugs are about all you can do assuming everything else is ok. Clean maf, clean throttle body, check upstream 02 sensors, check your tire pressures, take out extra weight, etc.

try not to drive over 2000 rpm either. learn how to baby it into overdrive at 35 mph and at around 45 mph (if you have overdrive)

 

[calif phil]

Changing the 02 sensor if you have over 100,000 miles can improve the fuel economy. The 02 sensors wear just like a spark plug does.

 

[ivin74]

Best way to boost fuel economy is to sell the truck and buy something that gets better MPG. These things are PIGS!

Or do an engine swap for a 4cyl. Lol