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How To Increase Chevy Silverado Fuel Efficiency

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to improve a truck’s gas mileage. After all, that’s one of the biggest downfalls of owning a truck. Most of them aren’t super friendly on your bank account when it comes time to fill the tank. In a way, that’s the unfortunate price of admission. If you want the benefits of a big truck (e.g., towing, ground clearance, power), you have to deal with less-than-optimal gas mileage.

While modern fuel-efficient trucks are getting better in this area, there are some ways to increase Chevy Silverado fuel efficiency, even in an older model.

5 Easy Ways To Increase Chevy Silverado Fuel Efficiency

There are several ways to tackle the fuel efficiency problem that most trucks experience. None of them will be miraculous – they won’t double your Silverado’s MPG – but if you combine them, you can achieve a noticeable difference for your Chevy. If you use your truck daily, you know it’s all about the small gains that, when combined, create long-term results.

1. Basic Maintenance

silverado oil change

Image Credit: PaulsTravelPictures

One of the easiest things you can do to increase Chevy Silverado fuel efficiency is just to maintain your truck well. When you keep up with basic maintenance (i.e., changing the fluids regularly, keeping your tires properly inflated, keeping air filters clean, etc.), your truck can perform more efficiently.

2. Install A Cold Air Intake

Swapping out your stock air filter with a cold air intake system will definitely make a noticeable difference in your truck’s gas mileage. (Check out CAI’s Silverado 1500 cold air intake kits here.) This system pumps a higher volume of cooler air into your engine, which increases the oxygen content and produces a cleaner, more efficient combustion cycle. In the video below by YouTuber Lonestar Hawaiian, you can see how he intends to tackle the MPG problem with his 2007 Chevy Silverado – by upgrading to a Cold Air Inductions intake system. Check it out:


In the video above, you saw that Lonestar Hawaiian was installing a cold air intake on his 2007 Chevy Silverado, aiming to increase miles per gallon. With his 2020 Trail Boss (which he already updated with a CAI cold air intake), he noticed a significant increase in fuel efficiency (16.5 to 21 mpg).

“When I installed the Cold Air Inductions intake on the 2020 trail boss I was really impressed with the quality of product, the fit and finish, and actually the performance that came out of it.”  – Lonestar Hawaiian

And remember Item 1 above – “Basic Maintenance?” With a CAI intake system, you get a clear, plexiglass window to monitor how dirty the air filter is and see when it needs to be recharged with a CAI Cleaner and Recharge Kit. It’s a win-win.

3. Reduce Drag

Most people don’t realize how much drag an average pickup truck creates when it moves down the road. This friction with the air makes the engine work harder. Installing a tonneau cover over your truck bed is one way you can reduce the drag on your truck. It will help you be a little more efficient. Plus, it keeps your gear or cargo secure and dry.

4. Use An Engine Programmer/Tuner

You can use an engine tuner or programmer on many modern vehicles, including the 5.3 or 6.2L Chevy Silverado. Keep in mind that when you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the engine is programmed to perform at a level that will appeal to a broad audience. Mainly providing:

  • Soft, smooth shift points. Most drivers prefer this over quick shifts, even if faster shifts improve performance.
  • Fuel systems that are optimized to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions, even if such settings lessen performance.
  • Shift points and fuel maps are both tuned for stock air intake and exhaust systems.

This little plug-in computer can help you dial in how you want your engine to run to increase fuel efficiency or power – especially if you’ve made modifications.

5. Slow Down

Yeah, it’s obvious and probably a little annoying to hear, but it’s true. When you hit the gas to hear that beautiful engine roar (especially after installing a cold air intake or aftermarket exhaust system), you’re consuming much more gas than if you reasonably accelerate. If you want to see a boost to your fuel efficiency, take it easy on the gas pedal – you’re probably not on a race track. If you are, well…then let her rip.

If you’re ready to install a superior cold air intake on your truck, trust Cold Air Inductions for the highest quality intakes. CAI is a Tier 1 OEM supplier manufacturing cold air intakes since 2004. CAI intakes are made from the highest quality materials and crafted right here in the USA, delivering real power and great quality. Shop Cold Air Inductions online or contact us today!

Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Cold Air Intake Install

Looking to unleash the full potential of your Silverado 1500? Installing an intake from Cold Air Inductions is a step in the right direction.

Trail Boss Intake Install

We all know the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular and dependable trucks on the road today. With its powerful engine, rugged design, and impressive towing capabilities, it’s garnered a loyal following from truck owners. Silverado enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their truck’s performance. That’s where a cold air intake from Cold Air Inductions comes into play. Check out the video below from ZachAtak Customs and see first-hand some of the gains that can be enjoyed by installing a CAI intake on your Silverado:

Performance Gains

Silverado air intakes from CAI are specifically designed and engineered to improve performance. The main purpose of any cold air intake system is to increase the amount of cool, dense air flowing into the engine, resulting in more efficient combustion and greater power output. In fact, installing this cold air intake on your Silverado can result in an increase of up to 11 horsepower (measured at the wheels) and a marked increase in fuel economy.

When I get on it, I feel it…the engine sounds louder and has a really nice growl to it now – so I’m pretty pleased with that.

ZachAtak Customs

In addition to these gains, intakes from Cold Air Inductions provide a more aggressive throttle response. This means that your truck will accelerate faster and more smoothly, enhancing your overall driving experience. Installing a cold air intake can lead to a more exhilarating engine sound, giving your Silverado that unmistakable growl that many truck owners crave.

Easy Installation And Upkeep

Installing a cold air intake from CAI is a relatively simple process that most Silverado owners can complete on their own in about an hour. Detailed instructions and all necessary hardware are always included. CAI intakes also require minimal maintenance – simply recharge your intake air filter every 4,000 miles with our air filter cleaning kit

Cold Air Intakes From Cold Air Inductions

Why do truck guys need an upgraded intake? According to Trail Boss enthusiast ZachAtak Customs

As truck guys, we love lift kits, we love oversized tires, and (in my opinion) you need more power – whether that be an aftermarket exhaust or a cold air intake – to combat the loss and sluggishness you get with lift kits and bigger tires. I like to combat that with options like a CAI intake.

ZachAtak Customs

Installing a cold air intake from Cold Air Inductions on your Silverado offers numerous benefits. It’s a simple and cost-effective modification that can make driving your truck more enjoyable. Check out ZachAtak Customs’s install and review and contact us today if you have any questions about ordering an intake for your Chevy.