It’s a common question for drivers — does lifting a truck affect gas mileage? The answer is yes, and it has to do with the physical weight of the truck. When a truck is raised, it’s easier for the engine to move the vehicle forward, which requires less fuel.

But of course, other factors also affect the gas mileage of a lifted diesel truck. Knowing these can help you get the most efficient use of your truck’s fuel while still enjoying the benefits of lifting it. Here’s what you need to know.

What factors affect gas mileage?

Many factors affect a truck’s gas mileage, including its weight, aerodynamics, and the way it is driven. Here’s a closer look at each of these factors:

Weight

The heavier a truck is, the more fuel it will consume. Meanwhile, lighter vehicles put less stress on the engine and burn less fuel, which improves fuel efficiency. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right truck for the job at hand — a smaller truck will often be more fuel-efficient than a larger one.

Aerodynamics

Another critical factor to consider is a truck’s aerodynamics. When air flows smoothly over the body of a vehicle, it creates less drag, which in turn improves fuel efficiency. Nowadays, many trucks are designed with aerodynamic features, such as sloped hoods and grilles, to help reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

Driving behavior

How a truck is driven can significantly impact its fuel economy. Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds all lead to increased fuel consumption. Extended idling can also be a problem, as it can waste fuel and damage the engine. That’s why the smoother you drive, the better your mileage will be.

How does lifting a truck affect gas mileage?

While lifting a truck can improve its off-road capability, it can also have a negative impact on fuel economy. Here’s why:

Lifted trucks are not as aerodynamic

Lifting the body of a truck increases its aerodynamic drag, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. This means that, although a lifted truck may be able to tackle tougher terrain, it will likely have worse fuel economy than a stock truck. So if you’re looking to improve your truck’s gas mileage, you might want to think twice before lifting it.

The heavier the load you’re hauling, the lower the mileage

If you’re using your truck to carry heavy loads, lifting it can improve fuel economy. That’s because the extra weight of the load will help keep the truck’s tires on the ground, reducing tire spin and wasted fuel.

However, lifting your truck will likely decrease its fuel economy if you’re not hauling a heavy load. So if you’re looking to save money on gas, it’s best to keep your truck at its stock height because a lifted truck will consume more fuel.

How to get better gas mileage in a lifted truck

If you have a lifted truck, there are still ways to improve its fuel economy. This will help you save money and keep your truck running smoothly. Here are a few tips:

Use cruise control

Using cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed, improving your mileage. This is because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the same speed, which can save fuel. Of course, you’ll want to avoid using cruise control on hilly terrain, as this can cause the engine to work harder and reduce fuel economy.

Plan your routes, avoid idling

Using a GPS or planning your routes ahead of time can help you avoid getting stuck in traffic, which wastes fuel. And when you’re stopped, try to avoid idling for long periods as this can also reduce fuel economy. That way, you can make the most of your truck’s gas mileage.

Use a lower viscosity oil

The viscosity of your truck’s oil can impact fuel economy. This is because thicker oil can cause the engine to work harder, which reduces fuel efficiency. So if you’re looking to improve your gas mileage, it might be a good idea to switch to a lower viscosity oil.

While lifting a truck can have some negative impacts on fuel economy, there are still ways to improve mileage in a lifted truck. By using cruise control, planning your routes, and avoiding idling, you can help offset some negatives. And if your truck is using a lot of oil, switching to a lower-viscosity oil can also help improve mileage. Follow these tips to get the most out of your truck’s gas mileage, no matter its height.

Find High-Quality Pre-Owned Lifted Trucks

Canyon State Trucks and SUVs is your go-to source for the best pre-owned lifted trucks in Arizona. We carry most models from trusted manufacturers. Get in touch today.