Use these fuel economy tips to help you save some fuel and money!
One of the largest expenses that every truck driver or fleet manager encounters is fuel. Costs add up whether you’re sitting in traffic or zipping down the highway at 65 miles per hour. Here are some simple tips to help improve the fuel economy of your tractor trailer and more efficiently use your gas (and money!).
Use Moderation When Braking
Working on your braking techniques can greatly improve your tractor trailer’s fuel economy. Every time you come to a complete stop, your truck will be burning extra fuel to get back up to speed. While coming to a complete stop is important, there are many different braking techniques to help slow the braking process and get you up to speed more quickly. When choosing a route, always avoid areas with excessive stoplights and stop signs.
Maintain Your Speed
If you maintain a steady speed in your tractor trailer, you will use your fuel at a steady rate. Every time you accelerate, you use more fuel. Every time you brake and need to accelerate again, you use more fuel. Always try to maintain an even speed limit that is equal to the posted speed limit for the road you are traveling on, avoid unnecessary stops, and avoid accelerating once you are up to speed.
Check Your Tires
If your tires aren’t properly inflated, you might be using more fuel than necessary without even realizing it. Every 1 psi your tires are underinflated can lead to a .3% drop in your gas mileage. While that .3% seems small, over the course of a long haul it can add up to poor fuel economy.
Don’t Spend Idle Time Idling
Leaving your truck idling while you dash into the convenience store or make a quick stop can seem like a good idea, however, it is also a good waste of fuel. Letting your truck idle for longer than five minutes will burn unnecessary fuel and do more harm than good. If you idle your truck for an hour, you will waste an entire gallon of gas! If you need to leave your truck for a while, turn your truck off completely.
For All of Your Trucking Needs
Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+.