Increasing your fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon can save you over $10,000 per year! Fortunately, there are numerous simple ways to enhance this. Here are the top 25 ways for truck drivers to save fuel.
Decrease Cruise Speed
This may seem self-evident, but going faster implies using more fuel. Fuel economy decreases by .14 MPG for every 1 MPH increase in speed.
Control Cruise RPM
Managing your engine’s speed is also vital for increasing fuel efficiency. Determine the “sweet spot,” or the most effective RPM to operate your engine. A decent “sweet spot” is usually between 1250 and 1350 RPM.
Use The Cheapest Stations
Filling up at lower-cost stations is a simple method to save money on gas. Many trucking-specific GPS systems will design your route so you can stop at less expensive gas stations along the way.
Take The Shortest Way
There are frequently multiple routes to the same goal. Choose the route that takes the least amount of driving to save the most fuel.
Drive Only When Necessary
If you’re going to travel out of your way to get gas, you might as well use the toilet and buy whatever you need to prevent having to go out of your way again a few hours later.
Eliminate Unnecessary Items
The more weight your vehicle carries, the harder it has to work to go along the road. Your truck already carries thousands of pounds; don’t force it to carry anymore.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Underinflated tires reduce fuel economy. Your fuel mileage can be lowered by 0.3% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure.
Minimize Idling
Idle your truck only when essential. One hour of idling consumes around one gallon of petrol.
Avoid Overfilling The Tank
Fuel might begin to expand when heated. This implies that if you fill your tank, the enlarged fuel may overflow and waste petrol.
Be Careful With Brakes
Braking is an essential component of driving. However, every time you slow down due to braking, it requires more gasoline to accelerate again. Leaving greater space between yourself and the vehicle you’re behind can help you brake less.
Remain In A Higher Gear
Driving in the highest gear possible helps to enhance fuel efficiency. Traveling at high speeds in low gears might burn up to 45% more fuel than necessary.
Keep The Load Height As Low As Possible
The more uniformly distributed the load in the trailer, the less work required to get the truck rolling. It is best to keep the load as low and level as possible.
Make The Most Of Your Momentum
It is not always necessary to have your foot on the gas pedal, consuming fuel. If you see a hill coming up, use the downhill section to gain speed and then use that momentum to get yourself up the other side.
Reduce The Use Of Air Conditioning
When you use your air conditioner, you increase your fuel usage by 0.2-0.4 miles per gallon. While using an air conditioner is necessary at times, you can simply open the window if the weather is tolerable.
Verify Vehicle Alignment
Another crucial component in maximizing fuel efficiency is to have your tires oriented straight down the road. Every mile, a tire that is even 14 degrees off from absolutely straight will attempt to travel 10-15 feet sideways.
Check The Fan
If there is a problem with your engine fan, it will generally run 5%-7% of the time the engine is turned on, but it will run much more frequently if there is a problem. The more the fan operates, the more horsepower the truck requires, which reduces fuel economy.
Apply Cruise Control
Use cruise control whenever possible. Cruise control can reduce needless acceleration and deceleration and can save you up to 6% on gas on the road.
Verify Battery Cables
Check and clean your battery cables whenever you have your engine serviced. When your battery wires deteriorate, the alternator has to work harder.
Participate In Aerodynamics
There are numerous add-ons for your truck that can improve aerodynamics and thus fuel efficiency. The most common add-ons are tractor-side fairings, deep-angled bumpers, and trailer skirts.
Learn From The Professionals
Some drivers specialize in fuel economy and aerodynamics. Don’t be scared to check them up on YouTube, read their articles, and listen to what they have to say.
Comprehend Your Truck
Truck technology has improved significantly over the years. Make sure you know your truck inside and out and that you’re using all of the technology that can help you save money on gas.
Plan Your Trip
Aside from picking the shortest route, plan out when you’ll arrive at each destination and where you’ll stop for gas. Avoid driving through areas where you know there will be a lot of traffic if feasible, and fill up in spots where the net price will be the lowest.
Record Your Numbers
Keep track of your fuel mileage on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This way, you’ll be able to observe how you’re progressing over time and whether the improvements you’re making are effective.
Be Willing To Change Your Driving Habits
It can be difficult to make adjustments when you’ve been doing something the same way for a long time. You can, however, begin by making modest modifications, and after you see how these small changes increase your fuel efficiency, you’ll be more likely to continue making improvements over time.
Remember Fuel Efficiency
Finally, making fuel efficiency a priority is one of the finest methods to increase it. Keep this list in mind and think about it when you’re driving. You’ll soon be maximizing your fuel efficiency without even knowing it.
Here are some tips you can consider to improve fuel efficiency. If you have more tips, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
Who knows? You might help another truck driver in need!
Thank you!
