By DAN DURBIN - Special to GM Today

May 21, 2009

The good news is that new trucks today are coming with better mpgs right out of the box and there are tips that can make both the old and new rigs run better.

If you're buying new, then consider the several SUV's and trucks that are hybrids. These vehicles are capable of getting 22 mpg in the city. They're not much better on the highway, but for people doing a lot of driving around town, they're a good five-to-seven miles per gallon better than most standard trucks.

They come with a heavier price tag, too so if most of your driving is on the highway, really consider if the added cost is worth it.

Other models offer the ability for their vehicle to shut down four of the vehicle's eight cylinders at cruising speeds on the highway.

It's common to push 22 mpg but in general once you are off cruise control, or if you're towing, it's back to all eight gas-sucking cylinders.

With not many people buying new these days, consider instead, taking your old rig and making it more fuel-efficient. Bob Oppermann works at Moose's 4x4 Center in Hartford, and has being doing so for 20 years.

"I can tell you the number one thing that affects your mileage is how you drive your car," he said. "If people just go easier on the petal, they'll see their miles per gallon go up."

But, there are additional things that can be added to your vehicle to help.

"Adding a cold air intake can help," he said. "The reason it helps is because they have a much freer flowing air filter and that means your engine doesn't have to work as hard. I've had some diesels get 10 percent better fuel economy when they went to a cold air intake.

You'll be looking at a range of $275-$400 for the addition."

Oppermann did warn that if you car is still under warranty, that you should check to see if adding any part that is not from the manufacturer or the warranty could be voided.

Next Oppermann said to consider adding a free-flowing exhaust system.

"You want a big-diameter exhaust," he said. "And make sure they have been dyno-tested and that they are built specifically for your make of vehicle. What you're doing here is adding horsepower, which means your vehicle, doesn't have to work as hard which can mean improved mileage. Most people don't realize that you can add horsepower and still get better fuel economy and these aren't just LOUD exhausts."

This can range from $500 to $900.

The third thing Oppermann recommended was adding a computer module that will optimize the performance of your engine.

"When the engines come from the factory they must meet certain standards," he said. "These engines, especially diesels, can be made to run a lot more efficiently by adding the right chip. They start at about $350."

Oppermann said that diesel engines in general respond much better to altering them for better mileage, but standard gas engines can see improvement, too.

"You'd be surprised at how certain engines run better on specific brands of gas," he said. "My wife's FORD Focus runs best for instance on BP gas. You need to experiment."

Basic maintenance is also key.

"Things like keeping your tire pressure correct and making sure your engine is tuned also helps," he said. "All the little things can add up to better mileage. On pick ups, adding a tonneau cover, a cap, or just leaving your tailgate down can make a surprising difference, too."

The point is, no one thing will make a huge difference, but the combination of many can add up to savings at the fuel pump.

(Dan Durbin writes a weekly outdoors column for The Freeman. Call Durbin at 644-7940, or e-mail him at ddurbin@bastdurbin.com if you have a story idea.)