Hello all,

I just purchased a used 2012 Ford F150 FX4 w/ ~40k miles on it for a steal. The engine is a 5.0L, the gear ratio is 3.73, and it is 4x4.

Is there anything i can do to increase the fuel economy? I currently average 14MPG. Should i use any fuel injector cleaners (I know Ford doesn't recommend it in the book). If so, what have you used in your 2012 - 2013 Ford F150's?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

If that's mostly city driving it's about right.

 

Maybe watch how you drive? Just me, when you have a pick up, gas mileage is going to average 12-18 mpg. or get a little car for fuel economy. (That's what I do)

 

Thanks for the advice so far - i am watching how i drive.

Any suggestions regarding gas additives?

 

Try to find ethanol free gas if you can. Most places, that means paying a little more for it, so you might not actually come out ahead.

As for additives, you will lose money on those. Same goes for aftermarket air filters, intakes and exhaust.

Driving style and realistic expectations are the best things you can control.

 

at ~40k miles, the air filter should have been changed once. Check and replace if looks dirty.

Another "NO" vote on fuel additives

^^ This

 

Thanks for the advice! I decided to fill it with Shell 93 VPOWER.

I'll check the filter.

 

Will probably see worse mileage with premium vs. regular. I know I do on my motorcycle that recommends 87 octane when running 93.

 

It may take a couple of tanks for your truck to re-tune itself to the new fuel, and for you to see an change in MPG (if any). My guess is that even if you see an improvement, it won't be worth the extra fuel cost.

 

If you're doing 14 mpg just piddlin' around town, I'd say ye're about right. Highway, that's where it's at.

 

Is the truck running stock tires, is it loaded all the time?

 

The tires on the truck are new (not original) but they do have an aggressive tread pattern. At the current moment there is no load in truck.

 

Saying you're getting 14 mpg and wondering if it's a problem is like
telling us you weigh 180 lbs. and wonder if you're too heavy.

If you're driving in rush hour like city traffic, 14 is okay. If you're on the open road doing
65, you should be in the 18-20 mpg range. If you're doing 85 on the open road, and
always racing to get up to speed, then
14 is again reasonable.

Take a trip on the open road, driving 65 and tell us what you get. If it's under, probably 17, I'd say there's another factor involved.

 

ok are they stock size?
are they oversized?
I hate to say it but its a truck (one of the best on market!) its not going to be stellar on gas! but the one thing that has been said already that no one wants to here is driving style is the best way to improve you MPG.
put your screen on full economy and watch the graphics its not 100% but it will tell you if your driving with a heavy foot or not. if you want to go to local auto store and pick up a vacuum gage install it and when vacuum is hi your eating more gas than say just light throttle cursing.
and I vote as others have stay as far as you can from additives.

 

If you look at the fuelly site, 1/2 ton trucks from the last few years average 16. Doesn't really matter what make, what engine, etc. If you drive mostly in town or at 70+ highway speeds, you will get less. If you have raised the profile of the truck you will get less. If you cruise at a steady 55 all day, you will do better. If you drive it like there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal, you will do better. Ethanol will drop your mileage.

I like to stay with one fuel as much as possible. I don't like the PCM to be remapping all the time because I changed ethanol level or octane rating.

If you are really babying it in highway driving and still getting 14, you probably have some issues.