Maximizing fuel efficiency is an ongoing practice that every driver or owner-operator can adopt to save money. While costs are significant, they will continue to fluctuate throughout the year. Establishing habits such as maintenance, efficient driving, and smart fuel management is essential for reducing costs and enhancing performance. From proper tire care to minimizing idle time and optimizing routes, every action you take behind the wheel or in the shop contributes to greater fuel savings and a healthier bottom line. In this blog post, we will discuss our top ten strategies for enhancing fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks, aiming to assist truckers and owner-operators in saving time and money.
Proper Tire Maintenance
Your tires are an essential aspect of travel, yet they are frequently ignored until it's too late. Regularly monitor the pressure on all truck and trailer tires by checking for pressure, leaks, and punctures. You can also practice regularly rotating, balancing, and aligning your tires to extend their lifetime. Fuel-efficient tires that have low rolling resistance can also further enhance your truck’s fuel economy.
Reduce Idle Time
Idling a truck refers to the time the engine runs while not moving. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, idling can consume about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour. It is also important to note the laws set against idling across the country. As of August 2019, 29 states and the District of Columbia have laws that help regulate engine idle time, including various applications of idle reduction and exemptions. Visit https://nacfe.org/research/technology/tractor-aerodynamics/ to find each state’s idling law. Not only does idling cause increased fuel consumption, but it also accelerates the wear and tear of the engine. Soot builds up in the diesel particulate filter, sometimes so much that the truck cannot be driven until the filter is cleaned. This leads to unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs that no driver wants to deal with, cutting productivity and profits on the road.
To avoid these issues, turn off the vehicle when it is not moving. Drivers mostly leave their trucks on to keep cabs heated or cool. Instead, invest in smarter solutions like bunk heaters, APUs (auxiliary power units), inverters, or generators to provide heat or cooler air.
Use High-Quality Lubricants
Choosing high-quality lubricants and fluids can significantly reduce friction and boost engine performance. For better fuel efficiency, consider low-viscosity engine oils like 5W or 10W-30, which maintain strong engine protection while improving mileage. According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), Class 8 fleets that switched from 15W-40 to 5W/10W-30 saw fuel savings between 0.5% and 1.5%.
Routine Maintenance
While downtime is a cost every driver tries to avoid, it is better to schedule preventative, routine maintenance than to face unexpected breakdowns that lead to longer delays, higher repair costs, and the potential loss of revenue. There are two ways to look at preventative maintenance that every driver and fleet manager should consider. The first type is dry preventative maintenance, which is recommended every 10,000 to 25,000 miles. This typically includes work on major components, fluid refills, grease jobs, and tire pressure checks. Wet preventative maintenance occurs every 25,000 to 50,000 miles and involves oil and filter changes, along with inspections of major components, fluid refills, grease jobs, and tire pressure checks. Each practice helps to ensure your truck is operating at peak efficiency level to keep you on the road.
Utilize GPS and Route Optimization
The use of GPS technology or route optimization software can help truckers plan their trips ahead. Using these systems and software can help avoid congested routes and consider factors such as traffic, elevation changes, and road conditions to reduce fuel consumption.
Practice Efficient Driving Techniques
Aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking significantly increase fuel consumption. One effective way to curb these habits is by using cruise control, which helps maintain a steady speed and reduces unnecessary throttle input. Additionally, minimizing distractions is essential. Keeping your attention on the road enhances safety and supports smoother, more fuel-efficient driving. Avoid using your phone, and limit activities like eating or drinking while behind the wheel to ensure driving remains your primary focus.
Monitor Fuel Consumption and Performance
Implement telematics and monitoring systems to track fuel consumption and vehicle performance. Not only will it help reduce fuel costs, but it also improves the truck's safety, minimizes breakdowns, and increases the overall efficiency of the truck.
Fuel Savings at the Pump
Saving a few extra cents at the pump has increasingly become easier. With new technologies, drivers and owner-operators have the opportunity to invest in fuel savings cards. TruckInfo breaks down their recommendations and top choices here: https://www.truckinfo.net/guide/fuel-cards-for-truckers. You can also earn points toward discounts simply by filling up your truck. While they may not lead directly to fuel savings, they may give you discounts on other necessities, such as food and drinks, while on the road. You can sign up for rewards programs such as Love’s, BPme Rewards, Upside, TA’s UltraONE, and many more to start earning.
Streamline Aerodynamics
Enhancing the aerodynamics of heavy-duty trucks can lead to substantial fuel savings. Installing wheel covers, chassis fairing skirts, aerodynamic mudflaps, and tail extenders helps reduce air drag and boost fuel efficiency. According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE), using the right aerodynamic devices can improve fuel economy by up to 10%.
Limit Excess Weight
Limiting excess weight is an effective way to improve fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. Avoid overloading hauls and regularly remove unused tools, equipment, or parts from the cab, sleeper, or trailer. Lightweight components, such as aluminum wheels or lighter fifth wheels, can further decrease the truck’s total weight without compromising durability. Also, load management efficiency should be kept in mind. This practice not only helps maintain proper balance within the truck but also reduces strain on the engine. These practices not only contribute to better fuel economy but can also enhance truck stability, handling, and braking performance.
Heavy Duty Truck Parts at Iron Wing
At Iron Wing, we’re committed to keeping your trucks running efficiently with our extensive inventory of in-stock, ready-to-ship parts. Looking for heavy-duty truck parts? Look no further! Simply browse by category or use our search function to sort by description, part number, or manufacturer. Plus, we offer free shipping on qualifying orders over $100! Have additional inquiries? Contact us at sales@ironwingsales.com — we’re here to help!