How to Improve Gas Mileage in Your Minivan

Your 2006 Dodge Caravan can reach 27 to 31 MPG. Many owners boost from 13 to 17 MPG with simple fixes. Target engine parts first, then smart driving and maintenance. These steps cut fuel use by 50% or more.

Fix Common Engine Problems

Worn engine parts force your minivan to burn extra gas. Owners see big MPG jumps after these repairs.

Part	Problem	Fix Benefit
Oxygen sensors	Rich fuel mix	Adds 2-4 MPG
Spark plugs & coils	Engine works hard	Boosts 3-5 MPG
Air intake sensor & EGR valve	Poor air-fuel mix	Improves 2-3 MPG
Intake manifold gasket	Air leaks	Gains 1-2 MPG
PCV valve & serpentine belt	Skipped maintenance	Saves 1 MPG

Scan your check engine light codes first. They guide you to the problem. A $100 sensor fix pays back in months through fuel savings.

Drive for Better MPG

Your habits match parts in fuel impact. Gentle driving saves gas on every trip.

• Accelerate smoothly. Hard pedal pushes drop 2 MPG.
• Cruise highways at 55 to 65 MPH. Over 70 MPH cuts MPG fast.
• Turn off the engine after 1 minute of idling.
• Plan trips to avoid traffic. Combine errands to save 10% fuel.

Track MPG for a week of aggressive driving, then switch to gentle habits. You gain 3-5 MPG right away.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

Missed services drop MPG. Keep your Caravan tuned for peak efficiency.

• Change oil every 5,000 miles. Dirty oil cuts power and raises fuel use.
• Clean or replace air filters every month. Clogged filters steal 1-2 MPG.
• Inflate tires to 35 PSI. Each low PSI costs 0.5 MPG from drag.
• Rotate tires every 6,000 miles. Even wear rolls smoother.
• Use regular unleaded gas per the manual. Premium costs extra with no gain.
• Add fuel system cleaner once a year. It clears injectors for better burn.

Mechanics spot rich running from bad sensors or low fuel pressure. Check the throttle position sensor if basics do not help. A full tune-up lifts economy 20-30%.

Sidekick tracks your maintenance to prevent missed services that hurt MPG.