Midwesty
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I did some long term testing on mpg, and figured I’d share. I drive about 25k a year. I’m in oil/gas. Calculating heat rates and efficiency is a big part of my daily life. I know some will not agree with the validity of the data and that’s okay. I followed the generally accepted test protocols followed by many.
Truck is a 23 F150 extended cab regular bed. Four wheel drive with the 2.7 eco. I don’t use auto start stop. I do tow regularly, but none of my testing was based on those trips. The mud flaps / splash guards used were Weathertechs. They are pretty form fitting, only covering what’s needed. I like the look. I don’t hyper mile. I also don’t hot rod. I’m usually five over the speed limit running cruise control. I’m in the Midwest, around 700’ elevation.
Different trucks, different flaps, different regions, different drivers… your results may differ!
The splash guards reduced my overall fuel economy by 1.3%. Doesn’t sound like much, but it does add up. With the mileage I drive on regular grade fuel, that’s about $55 a year extra. Over five years, with fuel price constant, that’s $275. Over $350 when splash guard price is included. That’s the real cost of the guards, at least for me! I’m okay with it. They keep the side of the truck clean, steps very clean, reduce rock chips, and reduce rain spray for other drivers.
I get an increase in mpg by 7-8% using premium fuel. The truck was designed to run best on premium, so this doesn’t surprise me. My presumption is that less knock allows more advanced timing, which increases power across the entire rpm band. More base power for cruising allows the computer to reduce boost pressure which results in less fuel use. However, premium fuel in my area is 19% more expensive and would cost me $650 more a year, even with the increase in mpg. That amount doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Anyway, that’s all! Back to my coffee.
Truck is a 23 F150 extended cab regular bed. Four wheel drive with the 2.7 eco. I don’t use auto start stop. I do tow regularly, but none of my testing was based on those trips. The mud flaps / splash guards used were Weathertechs. They are pretty form fitting, only covering what’s needed. I like the look. I don’t hyper mile. I also don’t hot rod. I’m usually five over the speed limit running cruise control. I’m in the Midwest, around 700’ elevation.
Different trucks, different flaps, different regions, different drivers… your results may differ!
The splash guards reduced my overall fuel economy by 1.3%. Doesn’t sound like much, but it does add up. With the mileage I drive on regular grade fuel, that’s about $55 a year extra. Over five years, with fuel price constant, that’s $275. Over $350 when splash guard price is included. That’s the real cost of the guards, at least for me! I’m okay with it. They keep the side of the truck clean, steps very clean, reduce rock chips, and reduce rain spray for other drivers.
I get an increase in mpg by 7-8% using premium fuel. The truck was designed to run best on premium, so this doesn’t surprise me. My presumption is that less knock allows more advanced timing, which increases power across the entire rpm band. More base power for cruising allows the computer to reduce boost pressure which results in less fuel use. However, premium fuel in my area is 19% more expensive and would cost me $650 more a year, even with the increase in mpg. That amount doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Anyway, that’s all! Back to my coffee.
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