Does Regular Maintenance Improve Toyota Hilux Fuel Economy?

To improve the fuel efficiency of my Hilux, Ive focused on a few key maintenance habits that have made a noticeable difference in mileage:

Switching to Synthetic Oil: Switching to synthetic oil has been one of the most effective changes Ive made. Synthetic oil tends to last longer and provides better lubrication, reducing friction in the engine. As a result, the engine runs more efficiently, and I’ve noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy, especially on longer drives o r highway cruising.

Changing the Air Filter Regularly: A clogged air filter can drastically reduce engine efficiency by restricting airflow. I make it a point to check and replace the air filter every 10,000-15,000 km o r more often if I’m driving in dusty conditions. A clean air filter helps ensure the engine gets the right amount of air, improving combustion and, in turn, fuel economy.

Fuel Injector Cleaning: Over time, fuel injectors can get clogged with carbon deposits, which disrupts the fuel spray pattern and can lead to inefficient combustion. I’ve had the injectors cleaned at a service center every 40,000 to 50,000 km. After cleaning, I noticed smoother engine performance and slightly improved fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Regular Tire Maintenance: Keeping the tires properly inflated is a simple but critical way to improve fuel economy. I check tire pressure regularly at least once a month o r when I notice changes in temperature. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and uses more fuel. Properly inflated tires reduce drag and improve mileage.

Fuel Quality: The quality of diesel fuel can make a noticeable difference in performance and fuel economy. I always try to refuel at well-known, high-quality stations like Shell o r Caltex. Using better fuel leads to more efficient combustion and a cleaner engine, which in turn can help improve fuel efficiency.

Keeping the Engine Tuned: A well-maintained engine is always more efficient. I make sure to get regular tune-ups and checkups, ensuring that the spark plugs, fuel system, and other engine components are in good condition. This prevents small issues that can cause the engine to run less efficiently, saving fuel in the long run.

Wheel Alignment and Suspension: I’ve also had my wheels aligned regularly and ensure the suspension is in good condition. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, increase resistance, and reduce fuel economy. Having the alignment checked and ensuring that the suspension is working properly can improve handling and reduce strain on the engine.

Driving Habits: Of course, driving habits are key. I avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth acceleration and deceleration help save fuel, and maintaining a steady speed, especially on highways, allows the engine to run at optimal efficiency.

Overall, these maintenance changes and habits have helped improve fuel efficiency and ensure that the Hilux runs smoothly. While the fuel economy boost may not be huge with each change, together they’ve made a noticeable difference in overall performance.

Have you tried any of these maintenance practices yourself, o r are there others that have worked for you?