Fuel efficiency is a major concern for many truck owners especially those driving vehicles powered by the robust 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine.
This engine is known for its durability and power, It is a popular choice for heavy-duty applications, but it can be thirsty when it comes to fuel consumption. So, how can you get better fuel mileage in a 6.6 Duramax engine?
To get a better mileage of 30+ on a 6.6 Duramax:
- Don’t leave your vehicle idling for too long
- Avoid accelerating rapidly and abrupt braking
- Consider using cruise control when driving on highways
- Moderate your speeds on highways to reduce aerodynamic drag
- Reduce your vehicle load
- Regularly maintain your car by keeping your tires inflated, and cleaning your air & fuel filters.
How to Get Better Fuel Mileage in a 6.6 Duramax?
Here’s how to get better fuel mileage in a 6.6 Duramax engine:
1. Mind Your Driving Habits
One of the best ways to get better MPG in a 6.6 Duramax diesel engine is by minding your driving habits. If you’ve developed the habit of accelerating rapidly and abrupt braking, it can reduce your fuel efficiency.
All you have to do is strive for smooth, gradual acceleration and deceleration. Mind your driving range. There’s no need to accelerate so rapidly when you wish to get a good mileage from your truck. Besides, accelerating gradually not only conserves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.
2. Use Cruise Control on Highways
While driving on highways/expressways, you should consider using cruise control to help maintain a consistent speed, which is more fuel-efficient than fluctuating speeds. On long trips, this can make a noticeable difference in your fuel consumption.
Trust me, many people did not know the benefits of using cruise control on highways. It saves fuel a lot. Just set your vehicle to the speed you want it to run and let the car move itself to your satisfaction.
3. Don’t Idle Your Vehicle for Too Long
If you want to get fuel mileage in your 6.6 Duramax diesel engine, you have to avoid idling your car for too long because extended idling wastes fuel.
If you anticipate being stopped for longer minutes, turn off the engine and turn it back on when you want to move. Modern diesel engines are designed to restart without excessive wear.
4. Moderate Your Speed
One thing that is not mostly talked about among car lovers is how fuel efficiency tends to decrease at speeds above 65 MPH. You can’t expect your car to be running that high without requiring some decent amount of fuel to do so.
However, by maintaining moderate speeds, you can reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy.
5. Reduce Load on Your Vehicle
When it comes to fuel consumption, the load on your vehicle has a huge role to play. It can increase your fuel consumption and make the car less fun to drive.
However, by reducing the load and removing unnecessary items from your truck to lighten the load, it can enhance fuel efficiency and make your overall driving experience worthwhile.
6. Always Maintain Your Vehicle
Believe it or leave it, your vehicle needs to be in a better working condition to be able to get a good gas mileage. If your truck is not in good condition, it can indirectly affect your fuel consumption.
For example, you need to keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance. Check tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips to ensure you don’t have nails in your tire.
You need to adhere to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, especially when it comes to regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel filter changes because they are important for maintaining an ideal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Also, you need to ensure that your wheels are properly aligned so that your tires will be rolling straight and true, reducing unnecessary drag to improve fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels can cause the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
7. Consider Performance Upgrades
If you wish to get better mileage in your 6.6 Duramax, you should consider performance upgrades. But, it’s not a must. You can install a performance tuner or programmer designed for fuel economy that can optimize your engine’s performance. The device will adjust the engine’s parameters to enhance fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.
You can also upgrade your exhaust system as a more efficient exhaust system can help your engine breathe better. High-flow exhaust systems reduce backpressure and improve fuel efficiency by allowing the engine to operate more efficiently.
Furthermore, you can consider installing a cold air intake. A cold air intake system can increase the amount of cool air entering the engine, improving combustion efficiency. This can lead to better fuel mileage by allowing the engine to produce more power with less fuel.
8. Use Diesel Additives
Adding diesel fuel additives can help clean your fuel system and improve combustion. Additives can remove deposits from fuel injectors and improve overall engine performance, leading to better fuel economy.
This works. I use fuel injector cleaners for my Lexus IS350 and it works by cleaning my injectors, reducing excessive emissions, and making my engine run better.
However, using diesel additives on your truck will clean your injectors and improve your gas mileage. It works 100%.
Conclusion
To get a better fuel mileage in a 6.6 Duramax, you need to be mindful of your driving habits, regularly maintain your car, and consider performance upgrades.
If you accelerate and brake smoothly, maintain a steady speed, avoid unnecessary idling, and reduce your vehicle load, you can make a huge difference in fuel consumption.
You need to also maintain your vehicle regularly by including proper tire pressure, wheel alignment, and using high-quality fuel to ensure that your engine runs efficiently.
Performance upgrades such as tuners, exhaust systems, and cold air intakes as well as diesel additives can contribute to better fuel mileage on your 6.6 Duramax diesel, saving you money and time.
