Gas Saving Tips For Van Drivers

Since vans are not as fuel efficient as most cars and as fuel prices grow ever skyward, there are some easy tips van drivers could take to cut expenses. Major changes that are consistently followed can save significant money over time. Simple things like driving in a more consistent rate rather than accelerating and hard braking and certain van accessories could wind up saving big bucks.

Keep the engine tuned. You can save 10% to 20% on fuel consumption by proper maintenance and following your manual’s schedule for yearly tune-ups.

Underinflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%. Look at the manufacturers’ label for your vans’ proper tire pressure. The higher number should be used for maximum fuel efficiency.


Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts. Using the recommended oil and changing it as the van manual states also successfully removes harmful substances from the engine.

Vans are not race cars. The faster you drive, the more fuel used. Driving at 65 miles per hour, rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption 20%. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25%.

On a long trip? Use cruise control. Having the vehicle maintain a constant speed will avoid the constant slowing and accelerating a human driver can’t help but do as the foot moves on the gas pedal.

Avoid idling. It is better to turn off the engine rather than idle if you are waiting for a long time.

An extra 100 pounds on the roof or in storage reduces a typical van's fuel economy by 1% to 2% percent. Take off extra racks, luggage, anything you don’t need. If you are not going bike riding, take of the bike racks. Everything extra causes wind drag and means less fuel efficiency.

Certain van accessories will save costs such as a GPS that will find the shortest route to your location and stop you from getting lost. Even if it is only used infrequently, over a year it can save you many miles of wasted driving.

Performance chips monitor air, gas and power flow and can yield higher power, cleaner emissions, and better fuel economy. Chips that can be bought online or at most auto parts dealerships allow better control of aspects of the engine's operation, such as spark timing and fuel injection. Certain chips may also control electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire), valve timing, the automatic transmission, speed governor (if equipped), and the electronic stability control system. Be sure to research online for customer reviews from clients that have vans similar to yours and bought the exact product you are looking for. There are a wide variety of chip manufacturers and some are of low quality.