Trucks and SUVs are not exactly well-known for great gas-mileage. Though it’s been a while since I owned or even driven either (Mitsubishi Mighty Max. Sniff), I remember a few ways on how to save fuel plus some excellent advice from the web. Hope this helps you, too, when you’re filling up that Escalade or HUMMER at the pump.

Trucks and SUVs are not exactly well-known for great gas-mileage. Though it’s been a while since I owned or even driven either (Mitsubishi Mighty Max. Sniff), I remember a few ways on how to save fuel plus some excellent advice from the web. Hope this helps you, too, when you’re filling up that Escalade or HUMMER at the pump.

With gas prices rising again and the new bar set to $4 a gallon by this summer, it is more important than ever to find ways to maximize fuel efficiency for all vehicles.

Traditionally, trucks–and their SUV offspring–have been at a disadvantage since they are designed for strength and power with fuel economy a low priority. Only the lightest pickups, such as the Ford Ranger, can match even a typical mid-sized sedan. And the fuel economy gap widens with automakers releasing a barrage of new engines, from hybrids to diesel, to sate Americans’ obsession again with fuel economy.

But better fuel economy is as much about preparation and driving habits as it is engine type. Many of the same fuel-saving tips for cars apply to trucks as well.

1. Maintain your truck’s engine.
Routine checkups, verifying oil levels, etc., can raise/lower fuel economy by as much as ten percent in either direction. Such checkups also extend to verifying tire pressure and wheel alignment as well. You can’t expect your truck to move smoothly ahead if one or more tires are under-pressured or going in different directions.

2. Keep your truck streamlined.
This is much harder with the boxy, blunt-nose shape of a typical pickup. But a bed cover prevents air flow from entering the bed and hitting the tail gate, slowing the vehicle down. Air flow is also disrupted by bike or ski racks. Consider removing them when not in use. And if you are considering modifications for your truck, think twice. Roof lights and spoilers not only increase drag but add weight which–you guessed it–reduces fuel efficiency.

3. Try to keep a constant speed when driving.
While the HEMI engine of the Dodge Durango is a thrill to one’s ears, decreased mileage, and more money spent at the gas pump, is not. Constant slowing and accelerating the engine lowers its efficiency as well, with every mile per hour over the recommended sixty like paying 10 cents more per gallon. Go slow from a stop and avoid abrupt braking. Finally, use cruise control when on highways and long stretches of road.

4. Use the recommended fuel.
Using premium fuel when your truck guide says regular is a waste of money. Conversely, the opposite is true. While most trucks can use lower grades of fuel, performance does suffer. The savings gain switching to the lower grade is more than offset by loss in towing power, more refueling, etc. And, of course, never use gasoline as fuel for a diesel engine or vice versus.

One of the big trends right now is the use of biodiesel. While many vehicle can use the alternative fuel, it is considered not as energy-efficient as regular gasoline or diesel. You may see your miles per gallon dropping as low as 5% if you make the switch which the lower cost may not necessarily offset in the long run.

5. Turn off that engine.
Engines work best when the truck is moving at a constant speed. Turn your truck off when stuck in traffic or in a long drive-thru line.

6. Turn off that A/C.
Despite what studies may have you believe, running the air-conditioner is not better for fuel economy versus opening a window or sunroof. While the latter two do disrupt airflow, the loss of mileage is minimal in comparison to the A/C’s drain on the engine while running. But if you absolutely insist on running the A/C, park your truck in the shade as much as possible so that your engine won’t have to work as hard to cool the cab as well as your temper.

7. Plan your trips.
Stopping and starting a cold engine reduces its fuel economy. When you have multiple errands such as picking up the kids, getting the lumber, etc., think ahead and see how you can accomplish all the tasks without giving the engine a chance to cool down.

8. Use your truck as a truck when possible.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s (NHTSA), truck longevity has decreased over the past ten years as people use their trucks more as the primary vehicle to get to work, drop children off to school, etc. Consider using the truck only when you need its capabilities like for hauling. Otherwise, leave it garaged or parked and use the compact sedan for the above chores.

9. Don’t haul unnecessary things about.
Clean up your truck. Weight is the number one enemy towards better fuel economy and the more you have in your truck, the lower miles per gallon. Hauling unnecessary stuff, like that sixty pound tool box you only use once a month, can sap fuel economy one to two percent for every 100 pounds of extra weight.

The days of $1 to $2 gas prices look like a fading memory. And while trucks, which are designed for hauling and power first and foremost, may never match their car brethren’s fuel economy, there are plenty of simple ways to maximize their mileage.