If you are due for a tune up, buy the things you need and do it yourself. Things like an air filter and fuel filter are inexpensive and easy to install. Some vehicles have the fuel filter on the frame rail (requiring you to get underneath to swap it out, but rarely will you need more than a wrench and a pair of pliers. All you are doing is releasing 2 hose clips and one mounting clip. If you are adventurous enough to take your Jeep on the trail, you must be adventurous enough to tackle this simple swap. After changing these filters, you can try a dose of injector cleaner. I’ve never been completely sold that they deliver the improvements they promise, but then I’ve never had the controlled scientific laboratory conditions to verify my suspicions.
Plugs and wires and a new cap and rotor might also be on your list. These things (in a modern vehicle) tend to last a long time but they do wear out and rarely get changed until there is a significant problem to force the issue (check engine light, loss of power, stumble/misfire, sharp drop in fuel economy). Because we are logging mileage on every tank of gas (see above), we can quickly identify when something is out of whack.
Synthetic fluids are often been touted as a mileage gainer. Engine oil, transmission fluid, transfer case, and differential fluid all contribute to the overall picture. Next time you are due to change them, you could consider this option. In addition to promising better economy, synthetics are also supposed to last longer, handle high heat better, and extend the life of your vehicle. The higher initial cost of synthetics offsets some of the gains, but over time might be well worth the investment.
Another tried and true solution is to plan your trips around town. If you need to hit the gym, buy groceries, and stop at the cash machine, make your miles count and accomplish all those stops on one trip. I sometimes find myself forgetting something and having to go back. When I realize I forgot another thing and require a third trip, I know I am part of the problem…not part of the solution.
We all pack our trail gear so we will have what we need in the event of trouble. But we rarely get stuck around town. Does it make sense to carry your winch accessory bag and toolbox to the grocery store? Take a look at what you are carrying around every day. Some of that stuff could sit in the corner of the garage until your next adventure. I have a winch on a 2 inch receiver mount. It’s easy to slide it out and save over 100 pounds off the front of the Jeep. Unload the unnecessary gear and see if you can’t get a little further on a gallon of gas.
Did you upgrade to bigger tires (with a more aggressive tread for offroad performance)? Your mileage suffered a little with that upgrade. If you still have the little stock tires stacked in the corner of the garage (and most of us do), it’s time to consider the extra effort of switching back and forth. If the lower rolling resistance and increased fuel economy don’t convince you, consider this. Every mile you put on the “little” tires is one fewer mile on your bigger, more expensive tires. Not only are you saving gas, but you’re saving wear and tear and extending your investment. Sounds like a logical move to me.