A Chevrolet Silverado can tow, haul, and spend all day working, but none of that happens without burning fuel. And fuel economy in a full-size pickup isn't determined solely by the engine badge on the truck. Payload, trailers, tire pressure, maintenance and even your right foot can change how quickly the gauge moves toward empty. For Silverado owners around Bakersfield, CA, understanding those variables is especially important because the way a truck is used can have a substantial effect on fuel consumption. Payload Means the Engine Has More Truck to Move The Silverado offers a maximum available payload of 2,260 lbs., and putting hundreds or thousands of pounds into the bed changes the amount of work required to accelerate and move the truck. Carrying unnecessary cargo means repeatedly spending fuel to transport weight you don't need. That doesn't mean leaving tools behind when the job requires them. It means taking a look at what's accumulated in the bed or cab and removing equipment that doesn't need to travel everywhere. Payload capability is there to be used, but carrying near the truck's limit isn't going to produce its best fuel economy. A 13,300 lb. Trailer Doesn't Move for Free Properly configured, the Silverado can tow up to 13,300 lbs. That's substantial capability, but towing introduces additional weight and aerodynamic drag, so fuel consumption increases even with trailers well below the maximum rating. Keeping the load balanced and maintaining steady highway speeds can help avoid adding unnecessary demand. The available In-Vehicle Trailering App can also help drivers monitor aspects of the trailer setup before departure. If you tow frequently, lower fuel economy isn't necessarily evidence that something is wrong with the truck. Pulling a large object through the air simply requires energy. Your Tires Can Make the Engine Work Harder Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the powertrain to expend more energy simply keeping the Silverado moving. Check tire pressures regularly, around once a month is a good habit, and use the recommended pressures printed on the driver-side door-jamb label. Don't substitute the pressure molded into the tire sidewall. Tire pressure can change over time and with temperature, making this one of the easiest areas to overlook and one of the simplest to check. Your Right Foot Has Its Own MPG Rating Hard acceleration asks the engine for a lot of fuel very quickly, while repeated heavy braking throws away momentum you've already spent fuel creating. Smoother acceleration and looking farther ahead in traffic can reduce that cycle. Steady highway speeds also help keep consumption more consistent, with Adaptive Cruise Control available on applicable configurations. Idling deserves attention, too. Sitting stationary with the engine and air conditioning running still consumes fuel while adding precisely zero miles to the trip—something worth remembering during Bakersfield's warmer weather. Maintenance Can Show Up at the Fuel Pump Scheduled maintenance isn't simply about preventing breakdowns. Engine oil, air filters and spark plugs all play roles in keeping the engine operating correctly. Ignoring service intervals can affect performance and fuel consumption as components wear or become contaminated. Silverado owners should follow the maintenance schedule for their specific truck and address changes in performance instead of waiting for them to become larger problems. Available OnStar® on-demand vehicle diagnostics can also help owners keep track of vehicle information and maintenance needs. If service is due, scheduling maintenance gives technicians an opportunity to inspect the truck before a small issue develops further. The Route Changes the Result Stop-and-go traffic repeatedly asks the Silverado to accelerate its mass, while steady highway travel avoids much of that cycle. Planning around congestion, unnecessary stops and longer routes can therefore influence how much fuel a trip consumes. Available Google built-in technology can provide Google Maps through the Silverado's available 13.4-inch touchscreen, helping drivers check traffic and choose routes before committing to them. Get More from Every Tank in Bakersfield Silverado fuel economy isn't controlled by one trick. It's the accumulated result of load, towing, tires, driving habits, maintenance and route choice. Our team here at Three-Way Chevrolet can help Bakersfield drivers keep their trucks maintained through the Chevrolet service center and explore new Silverado configurations suited to their towing and hauling requirements. If your truck is due for maintenance, schedule service and have it inspected before reduced performance becomes the new normal.
