7 Fuel-Saving Tips For Truck Drivers

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Professional truck drivers can only estimate so much on the expenses for running their rigs. But regardless of what type of vehicle you drive, studies show that an estimated 30% of operating costs go to fuel expenses. In the U.S. alone, the trucking industry burns through some 38 billion gallons of diesel per year. So it makes good sense from a business standpoint (as well as for the environment) to reduce fuel consumption.

While some major factors affecting fuel consumption are outside the driver's control, there are still several steps professional drivers can take to bring the costs down. It's also helpful to understand what these effects are and use them to measure your MPG and set a benchmark.

The following are seven simple ways you can follow to help reduce fuel consumption. Regardless of what vehicle you drive, how congested the roads are, or what the weather's like today, these steps can help make your ride more efficient.

• Make sure the tires are at the proper pressure. Underinflated tires have increased rolling resistance against the road, consuming more fuel and putting more strain on the rubber in the process. According to a Nordic Road Association study, a 10% drop in tire pressure can increase fuel consumption by up to 1%. On the other hand, having too much air pressure will cause the center of the tire to jut out, resulting in uneven tire wear.

Maintaining the tires at optimum pressure is a fast yet effective way to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient. You may also consider fitting your vehicle with low rolling resistance tires, which are designed to reduce energy loss while moving. These tires have been reported to improve fuel economy by up to 6% on linehaul applications, although this comes at the cost of being more susceptible to wear as this is common with this type of tires.

• Do not overfill your tank. Fuel tends to expand when it's heated up by exposure to the sun or when the fuel returns from the engine or fuel system. When filled to the brim, the fuel is more likely to spill via the breather vent. Aside from costing money, fuel spills can also prove dangerous to other road users, especially that of motorcyclists who can slip and injure themselves.

As a rule of thumb, make sure to fill up your tank just under the neck. We also recommend checking the tank seals if they're in good condition. A cracked or damaged seal will cause fuel to evaporate as it sloshes around. If left unchecked, you can easily lose a liter a day in hot weather.

• Many people aren't aware that when you drop down a gear, the more the engine burns fuel. Keeping a vehicle moving, even at a walking pace, consumes considerably less fuel than accelerating from a standstill. Plan well ahead so you can get the vehicle moving and prevent unnecessary gear changes.

Take advantage of your truck's seating position and gauge the road ahead for at least 10 to 12 seconds to see any upcoming traffic and slow down as necessary. If there are traffic lights in the distance, check if they are red or green. Adjust your speed accordingly so that you arrive at the lights while they're green and you can maintain your momentum.

• In the same manner as changing gears, using the brakes too much will also burn unnecessary fuel. The road speed lost during braking has to be made up by the accelerator, consuming fuel in the process. This is even made worse if you're forced down a gear or half gear or if you're carrying a fuel load.

If you really have to brake, consider using the exhaust brake instead. When the exhaust brake is applied, fuel delivery to the combustion chamber is cut off. The vehicle is left with only its own momentum to move forward, so no fuel is spent in the process. In addition, using the exhaust brake instead of the foot brake also eliminates the strain of the brake lining, extending its lifespan in the process.

• Another major factor affecting fuel consumption is aerodynamic drag. When trucks reach a significant speed, it starts to push up against air resistance or drag that slows the vehicle down. According to studies, nearly 50% of a truck's fuel is used for overcoming aerodynamic drag while traveling at highway speeds.

The more surfaces in your vehicle that drag's going to push up against, the more effort and fuel it's going to take to overcome it. But while there is only so much we can do to change your vehicle's shape, there are some ways in which you can make it more streamlined. If your trailer is taller than your tractor, for example, consider installing a sun visor, a deep angled bumper, or even a roof-mounted cab deflector. Side fairings can also be used to channel air down the trailer's side, reducing turbulence and making the entire vehicle more aerodynamic.

• An idling engine wastes fuel and money and increases emissions. A typical 420hp engine can burn fuel at the rate of around two liters an hour when left idling, which can further increase during cold weather. So if you're going to stop for any more than 30 seconds, consider switching off the ignition. Turning off the engine when it's not needed or when the truck's stuck in traffic will help save fuel costs in the long run and make everyone else around your vehicle breathe easier as well.
• Make sure to position the load on your vehicle so that it doesn't overload any of the axles or create excessive drag. Try to keep the weight distributed as evenly as possible across each axle. If the load only takes up a portion of the vehicle, place it near the cab to reduce drag. Empty tipper bodies should also be covered as this can give you up to 8% in fuel savings. Check if the curtains are taut and any rips repaired promptly to prevent wind from coming in.

There are many other ways that you can help save fuel on the road, but regular general maintenance and increased awareness can go a long way in making your ride more fuel-efficient. And if you need new parts for your truck, be sure to check out FindiParts. We offer great deals on replacement parts and accessories to make your vehicle run smoother and save money in the long run.