Getting Better Mileage From Your Willys Pick Up

We love a lot of things about our pick ups and jeeps, but there is one thing Willys owners don't love and that's the mileage. These vehicles aren't designed for fuel efficiency and gas is quite a bit more expensive than it was when they were built. Although your Willy isn't ever going to sip gas, there are a number of Willys pick up parts that you can install to make it guzzle a bit slower.

Start With The Basics

Whether you are driving a vintage Willys or a modern subcompact, there are a few basic maintenance tips that will make a huge difference. One of the most important Willys pick up parts you can buy is a simple tire gauge. Improperly inflated tires are one of the leading causes of poor mileage. Check them often and keep them at proper inflation to improve your mileage as much as 10%.

Your engine can't run efficiently unless fuel and air flow easily into the carburetor. Air and fuel filters get dirty. That's their job. The problem is that once they get dirty, flow is reduced. Replacing them is inexpensive and they will pay for themselves in no time.

Spark plugs are another of the Willys pick up parts that can reduce fuel efficiency if fouled or worn. The spark plug wires can also become worn and that reduces engine performance as well. Finally, the distributor cap will get worn or cracked over time. Be sure to check it when you are looking at your spark plugs.

Drive Smart, Save Gas

Good mileage goes beyond replacing your Willys pick up parts. Most of us have bad driving habits that waste gas. Edmunds tested many of the gas-saving driving habits and found which ones give the best performance.

Of all driving habits, aggressive driving is the single biggest gas waster. Edmunds showed that slow acceleration, 1/4 throttle rather than an aggressive 3/4 throttle, showed a one-third decrease in the amount of gas used.

They also found that driving 10 mph slower saved 12% on gas consumption. Try driving the speed limit. You might be surprised to find you get to your destination in about the same time. Also, don't idle if you don't have to. We aren't saying turn your engine off at a red light, but if you are waiting for someone in a parking lot then turn off the engine. And don't use the drive through. Get out of the vehicle and walk inside. You'll save gas and get a little exercise.

Many of these tips, like driving slower and keeping your tires inflated, could save you more than gas. They could also save your life.