Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Every fleet manager, truck driver, or motor vehicle operator should strive to improve fuel efficiency
Every fleet manager, truck driver, or motor vehicle operator should strive to improve fuel efficiency. Fuel-efficient trucks require less gas to go a particular distance. Also, the less gas you burn, you cut global warming emissions and produce less emission. Plus, you save a lot of money on gas. When you hire Middleton & Meads, we can help increase your fuel efficiency. In the meantime, here are some obvious and not-so-obvious ways that you can aid in this effort.
Improve Fuel Efficiency by Slowing Down
This tip falls under the “obvious” category because truck drivers shouldn’t speed in the first place. It takes a lot of momentum for such a large vehicle to come to a halt. Plus, the higher your speed, the more fuel you burn.
Use Gas Stations with the Lowest Cost
This suggestion is also a no-brainer. However, what may not be a no-brainer is that some trucking-specific GPS systems can plan your route so that you’ll use the least expensive fuel stations along the way. There are also quite a few useful apps that can help you in this effort as well.
Drive Less
You can drive less as far as mileage by, of course, taking the shortest route possible. However, you can also avoid unnecessary driving by multitasking as you stop for fuel. Try using the restroom during your fuel stops and purchase the items you need, such as food.
Clean Out Your Truck
Trucks already weigh tons alone. Add to that the cargo that they carry. Unnecessary items can weigh a truck down, so it’s worth it to clean out your vehicle now and then.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires aren’t beneficial whatsoever. One, they affect your driving performance and can lead to frictions and blowouts. Two, they decrease your fuel economy. A study revealed that for every one pound per square inch (PSI) drop in pressure, your fuel mileage could lower by 0.3%.
Easy on the Brakes
This suggestion leads back to being careful about how fast you drive. People often hit their brakes when they’re driving very quickly and aren’t maintaining a safe following distance. While braking is a necessary part of driving, you can reduce the amount of time you brake by leaving more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Drive in a Higher Gear
When you drive in low gear but at high speed, you consume more fuel than necessary. Also, when you move at a slow pace but in high gear, the same result also happens. When it’s safe to do so, drive in the highest gear possible and don’t stay in a low gear for a long time.
For more tips on improving fuel efficiency and other fleet management tips, keep reading our content.
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