In the trucking industry today, monitoring repair and fuel expenses can make all the difference between generating income and just breaking even. Every drop of fuel you save improves your bottom line since diesel prices vary constantly and running expenses are rising.
Though there is no magic trick to make your truck use half as much gas, there are some tried-and-true techniques that, taken together, can significantly affect how much gas it needs.
No matter how long you have been driving a truck or if you are new to it, these fifteen practical ideas will help you get more miles per gallon and keep your truck running for longer.
1. Watch your speed
Every trucker wants to make good time on the road, but pushing past 60 mph hits your fuel economy hard. Think about it: for each mile per hour over 60, you’re losing 0.1 miles per gallon. Therefore, traveling at 55 instead of 65 will allow you to save a lovely 20% on fuel expenses. Moreover, running at faster speeds strains your tires, brakes, and engine, thereby increasing stopping distance and repair costs down the road.
2. Drive at a constant speed
Ever notice how much your gauge drops when you continually accelerate and slow down? This is so because every time you accelerate, you are asking your engine to run very hard. Not only does finding that sweet spot where you can keep a consistent speed save fuel, but it also results in a more leisurely journey.
3. Find the engine’s sweet spot
Every truck engine has its happy place—that perfect RPM range where it runs most efficiently. Usually, it moves slower than you might assume. Your engine will thank you for finding its sweet spot; you will also enjoy improved fuel economy. Invest some time in learning where your truck performs best; every model has various running performances.
4. Avoid harsh braking
Consider stopping as throwing away the energy you just used to accelerate. Look far ahead; what is happening half a mile down the road? Keeping a greater distance between you and other cars will let you relax rather than focus on using the brakes. This seamless driving technique increases brake pad lifetime and saves fuel.
5. Accelerate smoothly
Stomping on the gas is like pouring fuel straight onto the ground. Instead, think of the accelerator as an egg under your foot—press it gently and steadily. Watch the traffic patterns ahead so you can plan your acceleration. This gentle approach not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your engine and transmission.
6. Maintain your truck
Here’s a fact that might surprise you: just keeping up with regular maintenance can boost your fuel economy by up to 5%. That means clean air filters, fresh oil, proper fluid levels, and everything else on your maintenance checklist. It’s simple math: a well-maintained truck runs more efficiently and uses less fuel.
7. Check tire inflation pressure
Your tires may either ruin or improve your fuel economy. Underinflated tires burn more fuel and generate more resistance, much like driving with the brakes slightly on. The problematic thing is that tire pressure varies with temperature; hence, what was good in the morning could not be so by the afternoon. Include tire pressure checks in your everyday schedule.
8. Check the condition of aerodynamic devices
The aerodynamic devices are fuel savers when properly maintained. Check your fairings, side skirts, and other aerodynamic devices regularly for damage to make sure there are no dents or tears. A broken or loose part can make things worse than having none at all. Minimizing the tractor-to-trailer gap might make a bigger difference than you think.
9. Watch your load distribution
Think of your load like a sail—the higher it sits, the more air resistance you meet. Keep your loads low when possible and spread the weight evenly. An unbalanced load doesn’t just waste fuel; it also makes your truck harder to handle and puts uneven wear on your tires and suspension.
10. Use cruise control
Modern cruise control is one of your best friends for fuel economy. It’s better at maintaining a steady speed, and if you’ve got adaptive cruise control, it’s even better. It helps you maintain that sweet spot speed, decreasing accelerations and decelerations.
11. Minimize idling
Every hour your truck idles, it’s burning fuel. Cutting your idle time by just 10% can save you hundreds of dollars a year. Use a windshield curtain or solar reflector to keep heat loading out of the cab. You’ll save fuel, and your engine will last longer with fewer idle hours.
12. Do not overfill your tank
This one’s simple but often overlooked. Don’t fill your tank beyond its recommended capacity. Fuel expands when it heats up, and overfilled tanks can lead to spillage. Plus, that extra fuel adds weight and can decrease your truck’s speed and performance.
13. Watch your interval
Maintaining an appropriate following distance addresses fuel economy as much as safety. More space lets you better predict changes in traffic flow and prevent harsh braking. Consider it a buffer zone, enabling safer and more efficient driving.
14. Optimize routing and reduce out-of-route miles
Smart routing is about more than just the shortest distance to your destination. Consider traffic patterns, road construction, and even elevation changes. Sometimes, a slightly longer route with less stop-and-go traffic or fewer hills can save you fuel. Planning helps you avoid those fuel-hungry situations like rush hour traffic.
15. Minimize shifting
Each time you shift gears, your engine revs up, using extra fuel. Try to get into your most comfortable gear sooner rather than later and minimize the number of shifts you make. Progressive shifting at lower RPMs saves fuel compared to winding out each gear. And if you’ve got an automated transmission, it’s programmed to shift efficiently.
Bottom Line
To be a more fuel-efficient driver, you don’t have to make big changes to how you drive. Instead, it is enough to make smaller changes to your driving habits over time.
Following these tips might potentially save you a lot of money over the thousands of miles you drive, as they also mean fewer repair costs and a longer life for your truck.