Fuel Efficiency Hacks Every Truck Driver Should Know - Advanced-Trucking
a truck driver driving a truck

Fuel Efficiency Hacks Every Truck Driver Should Know

One of the biggest expenses associated with operating a vehicle is fuel. Nevertheless, you may save up to $10,000 annually on fuel if you increase your mileage per gallon. 

Here are a few trucker tips that will help drivers reduce their fuel use and, in turn, save money on fuel!

Numerous trucker tricks, some of which are very obvious,  exist to help increase fuel economy, such as locating the best local gas price, choosing the quickest route, and avoiding pointless driving. However, there are tons of additional ways for truckers to reduce fuel consumption!

Why Is It Important To Increase Fuel Efficiency? 

Truckers ought to maximize truck fuel efficiency for numerous reasons: 

1. Saves On Expenses

Fuel is a significant expense for transportation companies; thus, minimizing consumption can save money. Driving fuel-efficiently can save companies money and boost driver pay and benefits.

2. The Impact On The Environment

The trucking business emits many greenhouse gasses; lowering fuel consumption can help. By saving fuel, drivers may reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

3. Compliance With Regulations

Emissions and fuel efficiency regulations apply to trucks. Fuel conservation can help drivers’ companies comply with these laws and avoid fines.

4. Increased Longevity Of The Engine

Another reason to save fuel is to extend engine life. Drivers can prolong truck life and lower maintenance costs by reducing engine strain and wear.

5. More Secure Driving

More efficient driving can improve safety by conserving fuel. Keep a steady speed and prevent fast acceleration and braking to reduce road accidents.

truck on road

How To Increase Fuel Efficiency On A Truck?

Drivers ask how to increase fuel efficiency on a truck on the road to optimize performance and minimize costs. So, here are the eight hacks you may consider to maximize truck fuel efficiency:

1. Make A Plan For Your Route

Preparing your route can help you avoid traffic congestion and reduce your time in traffic.  

2. Reduce The Number Of Stops

To save fuel, strategically plan your stops. Refueling before or after regular business hours and on Sundays, when traffic is less dense and wait times are lower. 

3. Make An Early Leaving

Not only is this a safety risk, but it also affects the amount of fuel you need to conserve. 

4. Don’t Idle

Fuel efficiency is affected by idling. Turn off your engine if you’ve stopped for over two minutes. Idling is inevitable, but here are some old-school ways to reduce it. For example, pre-cool or pre-heat your bunk by blasting the AC before bedtime. 

5. Lower Your Speed

You can use less fuel when you drive fast. Try your hardest to keep your speed constant. Most trucks achieve the best fuel efficiency between 55 and 65 miles per hour. 

6. Make Use Of Cruise Control

The cruise control feature can assist you in preserving a constant pace and avoiding the needless acceleration and braking of your vehicle. 

7. Practice The Following Distances

You can improve your ability to moderate your momentum by increasing the distances you follow. The following distances can be increased by seven seconds, resulting in a fifteen-second increase in sightlines. 

8. Keep Lane Changes To A Minimum

Change lanes when practical, not when convenient. Make last-minute changes to impair fuel efficiency by accelerating and braking needlessly. 

Conclusion

Using the above hacks on how to increase fuel efficiency on a truck can help truck drivers save money. Remember that little adjustments over time might add up to a lot. 
Therefore, pay attention to your drive and continuously seek ways to improve truck fuel efficiency. Truckers will learn how to improve efficiency and sustainability in each area, from correct maintenance to eco-conscious driving.