Getting very bad Gas Mileage??????

Hi: Gas comsuption is a function of:

a) The weight of your vehicle and how much you accelerate to reach certain speed :twisted:
b) Frictional forces inside the motor and gears :?
c) Aerodinamical Drag :shock:

For a) as long as you drive a heavy vehicle and use to accelerate even if you see the light turning to red ahead of you, you will have bad Gas Mileage (BGM). Move to a lighter vehicle or drive more softly and slowly to save gas. 80% or more of the power excess required to accelerate fast is spend in the form of heat at your radiator!!! Did I mention heating your brake pads also?

For b) you have the chance of investing in a better oil. Spend some time in researching for oils that present gas saving proprieties.

And for c) you have to notice that every time speed doubles air resistance to movement doubles twice. i.e. your consuption at 60 mph will be 4 times the one you have at 30mph.

Abnormal conditions as tires underinflated, brakes misadjusted, damaged spark plugs, etc. can cause you BGM also. Check your air filter also because some ignition systems compensate the lack of air adding more fue that won't be burned becuase of the clogged filter.

:idea: Also note that 4x4 use much more fuel than 4x2 (Do you remember when was the last time you really needed 4x4 traction?)

With my 5.3 L 2002 4x2 Crew Cab in city/highway my mileage use to be 15.6 MPG. The best engine in terms of mileage for Silverados is the 5.3L.

Regards,

Pedro from Chile

HIgh Gas comsumption

First lets set the record straight,

when they set the standards for EPA fuel efficiency , they used driving standards that are way out of line with whats normal driving. Your EPA sticker will be anywhere from 30-50% off.

If I'd have known I'd never bought my 1/2 ton silverado 4x4. I have been getting approx. 10-12 MPG since I've owned it.

I was getting 13-14 MPG when I bought it with stock wheels/tires. Since putting on a lift kit and 35 inch wheels I get approx 1-2 MPG less.
Chevy says everything is fine, cause they are brain dead and cannot perform a diagnostics without the use of some computer. Computers' are ok, actually necessary to diagnose new engine and transmissoin problems . But.. What if the problem lies outside the scope of the computer sensors. What if the problem in this case is not an actual problem, but more of an efficiency issue.

I think Chevy is holding back something they all know. The Silverdado is a gas hog. THe EPA sticker was way off.
People were misled into thinking they might be able to actually commute in a vehicle of such and only found out they have to park it most of the time.

I use mine to tow a boat. When I'm towing I get probably 8-10 MPG.

I should have bought a 3/4 ton truck if I would have known it would perform as such.

I was led to buy my truck because I was told it would tow my boat and perform reasonably with tighter steering.

Again, for those of you who bought chevy truck, give it up. ITs a hog.. Unless there's someone who can say what one could do to improve on the mileage sell it. Get a diesel.

Dual exhaust?
High Perf Computer chip?
New Intake?
Cam timing?

hmm. I dont think so..

One frustrated Chevy owner. I think I sell mine and get something that at least will tow with power while its sucking down the fuel.