For any semi-truck owner-operator, fuel for your truck is one of your biggest expenses. It can also be one of the most variable expenses, with the price of fuel fluctuating up and down each week. This means that fuel economy is crucial to the success of your business. Read on to find out essential tips and tricks to improving the fuel economy of your semi-truck and getting the most out of your fuel money.
For any semi-truck owner-operator, fuel for your truck is one of your biggest expenses. It can also be one of the most variable expenses, with the price of fuel fluctuating up and down each week. This means that fuel economy is crucial to the success of your business.
Improving Your Truck’s Fuel Economy
- Essential Aerodynamics
Other than having an efficient engine, one of the best way to reduce your fuel costs is by reducing your aerodynamic drag. When you’re driving at speed overs 50 MPH, every 2% reduction in your aerodynamic drag will give you a 1% increase in fuel economy.
- Check Your Speed
One of the biggest contributing factors to fuel efficiency is speed. When you’re on the road all day, it can be easy to want to pick up the speed in order to get to your destination on or ahead of schedule. However, for each 1 MPH over 55 MPH, drivers will see a 0.1 decrease in their MPG.
- Reduce Your Idle Time
Most truck drivers will need to idle their trucks for some period of time during the day. That’s understandable; however, the more your engine is running without the truck being in motion, the worse your MPG is going to be. For each hour that you sit idling, you are losing 1% in fuel efficiency.
- Tire Resistance
Your tires have a major influence on your fuel economy. Many factors involving your tires, including rolling resistance and properly inflated tires, play a role. Make sure you use tires with a low rolling resistance – this will allow you to use more energy to powering the truck, increasing your MPG. Also ensure that they are properly inflated – underinflated tires can cause reduction in your fuel economy.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star
If you’re in the trucking business or are looking to discover more about commercial truck sales, call on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. You can call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474 or email us your questions and concerns at info@baltimorefreightliner.com.
Since 1986, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star has provided top quality service for the trucking industry. Whether you need to purchase specialized truck parts from our expansive inventory, expand your fleet with our selection of top-tier trucks, or have your company’s trucks serviced or repaired, Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star is the best choice in trucking.
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Tags: Freightliner, fuel economy, semi-truck