Crisp mornings and colorful roads make fall a great time to drive. Cooler weather also changes how your vehicle uses fuel.
With a few smart habits, your RAM or Jeep can go farther on every gallon.
If you’ve been searching for “jeep dealer Connecticut”, Gengras CDJR Hartford is here to help. Use these simple, proven tips to save gas and enjoy the season.
Why Fuel Economy Drops in Fall
Cold air is dense and creates more drag. Your engine also needs more time to reach its best temperature.
Tire pressure falls about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop, which raises rolling resistance.
Many drivers also idle to warm up. Idling gets zero MPG and wastes fuel fast.
Good news: a few small changes can make a big difference.
Quick Wins Before You Drive
Check tire pressure weekly. Use the door-jamb sticker as your guide.
Lighten the load. Remove summer gear, sandbags, and unused tools.
Streamline the roof. Take off racks or soft tops when you don’t need them.
Plan errands. Combine trips so the engine stays warm and efficient.
RAM Trucks: Easy Fuel-Saving Moves
RAM trucks are strong and comfortable. They can also be efficient with the right setup.
Try these:
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Use Eco or Auto mode, and let the transmission shift early when cruising.
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Keep speeds steady. The sweet spot is often 55–65 mph on open roads.
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Add a tonneau cover. Smoother airflow can help at highway speeds.
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Choose the right tires. All-terrain tires look tough but can cost MPG; use them only when needed.
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Mind your payload. Every 100 pounds can shave off economy, so unload extras.
When towing, switch on Tow/Haul to protect the transmission.
Then manage speed and follow the tips in the towing section below.
Jeep SUVs: Practical Tips That Work
Jeep vehicles handle changing weather and rough roads well. You can still save fuel while exploring.
Try these:
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Use 2H (two-wheel drive) on dry pavement if your model allows it; shift to 4H only when conditions call for it.
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Remove hard-top panels or soft tops only when you’ll use them, then reinstall for better aerodynamics on long trips.
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Pick tires for the season. Aggressive tread helps on trails but hurts MPG on highways.
Remember, slow and steady wins.
Enjoy the view and give yourself time.
Step-by-Step: 10-Minute Pre-Drive Fuel Saver
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Walk-around check (2 minutes). Look at tires, remove roof clutter, empty the bed or cargo area.
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Tire pressure (3 minutes). Set to the door-jamb spec; don’t forget the spare.
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Glass and lights (2 minutes). Clean the inside of the windshield and confirm the headlights work.
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Route plan (3 minutes). Use live traffic, add two logical fuel or coffee stops, and avoid heavy hills when possible.
Do this once a week and before long drives.
Small wins add up.
Smarter Warm-Ups in Cold Weather
Engines warm best while driving gently. Idling wastes fuel and time.
Use this simple routine:
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Start the vehicle and wait 20–30 seconds to stabilize.
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Set the defroster and seat heaters if you have them.
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Drive softly for 5–10 minutes. Keep revs low and avoid hard acceleration.
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Turn off rear defrost once the glass is clear; it draws power.
You’ll be warm, safe, and more efficient.
Your engine will thank you.
Driving Techniques That Save Fuel
Ease into the throttle. Think smooth, not sudden.
Look far ahead. Lift early when you see a red light to coast more.
Use cruise control on flat highways to maintain a steady speed.
Turn off cruise on hills or in heavy traffic so you can feather the pedal.
Keep windows up at highway speed to reduce drag.
Use recirculate after the cabin is comfy; your HVAC will work less.
Use the Tech Your RAM or Jeep Already Has
Modern features can nudge you toward better MPG.
Try these tools:
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Uconnect® navigation to pick the least congested routes.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to catch slow leaks early.
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Start/Stop systems to prevent waste at long lights.
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Eco coaching pages (where available) to watch throttle, shift timing, and idle time.
Check your owner’s manual for details.
Or ask our team to walk you through the features in five minutes.
Maintenance That Matters Most in Fall
Fresh, well-tuned vehicles burn less fuel.
Focus on:
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Oil and filter at the right grade for your engine and climate.
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Air filter to keep airflow strong.
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Spark plugs at the correct interval for clean combustion.
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Wheel alignment to reduce tire scrub.
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Brake inspection to prevent drag from sticking calipers.
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Battery test so weak starts don’t force extra idling.
Schedule service before a big trip.
It’s the easiest way to protect both MPG and peace of mind.
RAM: Towing and Hauling With Better MPG
Towing and payload change the rules.
Use these steps to save fuel while staying safe:
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Match the trailer. Keep total weight within your RAM’s ratings.
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Check all tires. Trailer tires need correct PSI too; low pressure hurts MPG and safety.
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Balance the load. Aim for 10–15% tongue weight on conventional trailers.
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Add aero help. A low-profile cargo box or tonneau can smooth airflow when you’re not carrying tall loads.
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Choose your speed. Each 5–10 mph faster can drop MPG sharply; pick a calm pace and stick to it.
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Use Tow/Haul on hills and when in doubt; it prevents hunting for gears.
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Plan fuel stops. Easy in, easy out saves time and energy.
Arrive relaxed, with more fuel left in the tank.
That means more fun and less stress.
Jeep: Trail Days Without the Fuel Penalty
Exploring dirt roads is part of the Jeep life.
Here’s how to keep it efficient:
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Air down only for trails, then air back up before pavement; soft tires on highways eat fuel.
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Use 4H only when needed on loose or slick surfaces; switch back to 2H for dry roads if your model allows.
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Travel light. Recovery gear is smart, but don’t carry what you won’t use.
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Drive slowly and smoothly. Low speeds and gentle throttle use the least fuel off-road.
Take pictures, pack out trash, and enjoy the quiet.
That’s the fall adventure done right.
Step-by-Step: Fuel-Smart Weekend Trip Plan
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Pick a loop route with fewer stops and steady speeds.
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Leave early to avoid traffic and reduce stop-and-go.
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Choose one scenic lunch stop instead of several short breaks.
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Bookmark fuel stations with clear access for trucks and SUVs.
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Check weather the night before, and adjust timing to avoid heavy winds.
You’ll see more, spend less, and stay on schedule.
Simple planning pays off.
What to Keep in the Vehicle (Light but Ready)
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Compact air pump and digital gauge
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Foldable windshield cover
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Microfiber towels and glass cleaner
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Healthy snacks and reusable water bottles
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Warm layers and gloves
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Small first-aid kit and flashlight
Prepared doesn’t have to mean heavy.
Focus on items you’ll actually use.
When to Visit the Dealership
If your MPG suddenly drops by more than 10–15% with no clear reason, get a checkup.
Also, come in if you see warning lights, rough starts, or pulling to one side.
Our service team can test batteries, update software, and inspect tires in one quick visit.
We’ll explain what we find in plain language.
FAQs
Q: How much does cold weather really affect MPG?
A: It depends on your route and driving style. Many drivers see a 5–15% drop in colder temps, but smart habits can offset most of it.
Q: Should I warm up my truck or SUV for several minutes?
A: No. Idle 20–30 seconds, then drive gently. The engine and cabin warm faster while moving.
Q: Do roof racks and light bars hurt fuel economy?
A: Yes, anything that adds drag can lower MPG, especially at highway speeds. Remove gear when not in use.
Q: What tire pressure should I use?
A: Always follow the sticker in your door jamb, not the sidewall max. Recheck every week as temperatures change.
Q: Do aggressive all-terrain tires lower MPG?
A: Often, yes. Choose tread based on how and where you drive. Keep trail tires for when you truly need them.
Q: Is cruise control good for fuel savings?
A: On flat highways, yes. Turn it off on hills or in traffic so you can modulate speed smoothly.
Q: Can a dirty air filter really matter?
A: It can. Restricted airflow makes the engine work harder. Replace it on schedule or sooner if you drive dusty roads.
Q: When should I get a fuel system cleaning?
A: If you notice rough idle, sluggish response, or a steady MPG drop, ask for an inspection. We’ll advise if cleaning will help.
Visit Gengras CDJR Hartford
Ready to tune up your fall driving and save on fuel? Stop by Gengras CDJR Hartford for a quick inspection, tire check, or a feature walk-through.
If you’re comparing models and searching for Jeep dealer in Connecticut, our team can set up test drives and show you MPG-friendly options.
Next steps:
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Schedule a fall service check.
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Test drive your top RAM or Jeep picks.
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Ask us for a five-minute MPG setup on your vehicle.
Enjoy the colors, the cooler air, and longer drives between fills.
We’re here to keep your RAM or Jeep running smart all season.