Here are some fuel-saving tips for owner Operators.

Improving fuel efficiency is no longer a trend; it is a way of life for commercial truck drivers in particular.

The trucking industry in the United States consumes approximately 38 billion gallons of diesel per year, and a variety of initiatives are underway to reduce that consumption – from regulatory efforts such as the Phase 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) rules to the introduction of new technologies such as platooning.

Yet there are immediate steps truck drivers may take to enhance their equipment’s fuel economy that do not require new technology or government assistance. Five of them are as follows:

Drive more cautiously

Slowing down is the simplest way to improve your fuel economy. As you increase your speed, it becomes more difficult for your engine, putting it under more strain. Additionally, speeding reduces your truck’s fuel economy. According to studies, every 5 mph traveled over 65 mph results in a 7% loss in fuel economy. Thus, adhering to the speed limit will not only help you avoid the hazards of speeding, but will also help you save money on fuel.

Besides that, if the weather allows, turn off the air conditioner sometimes to allow the wind to circulate. Indeed, use air conditioners only when the weather is too hot. There are several other techniques to operate your truck more responsibly, including the following:

• Avoid excessive idling, which can burn up to a gallon of fuel every hour.
• When not in use, turn off the engine.
• Utilize cruise control whenever feasible when traveling on the highway.

Enhance the Aerodynamics of Your Truck

Heavy-duty vehicles consume a lot of gasoline as they overcome air resistance while minimizing aerodynamic “drag.” It is consequently critical to optimize the aerodynamics of your truck in order to increase fuel economy. According to studies, about half of the fuel spent by a truck is used to overcome aerodynamic drag while moving at highway speeds. The good news is that some adjustments may be made to your truck’s aerodynamic profile.

For instance, if your trailer is taller than your tractor, deflect air from your windscreen onto the top of the trailer using a roof-mounted cab deflector, a deep angled bumper, or a sun visor.

To decrease airflow below the trailer, use side fairings that direct air down the trailer’s side.

Be Aware of Traffic Conditions

Each time your vehicle needs to restart after coming to a halt in traffic, it requires first gear and a large quantity of fuel. It’s almost same in second gear. Keep an eye on traffic signs and conditions to predict when to slow down. It will be more fuel efficient to keep your vehicle moving rather than coming to a complete halt at a red light.

Even better, this will assist you in reducing the amount of gear changes required, especially if you continue to use a manual shifter. Avoiding hard braking will also help you save on fuel.

A smart practice for every professional truck driver is to do a pre-trip inspection for potential dangers. Nowadays, a variety of clever navigation technologies are available to assist you in avoiding traffic congestion and taking the most effective route between jobs, as sitting in traffic during rush hour wastes a significant amount of gasoline.

Engine Oil and Fuel

By using the manufacturer’s suggested grade of motor oil, you may increase your fuel mileage by 1% to 2%.

A few operating recommendations can make a difference when it comes to diesel:

• Fill your truck up first thing in the morning.
• If possible, pump fuel at a low setting to avoid vapors; more vapors equals less fuel in your tank.
• Fill the tank before it runs out; the fuller the tank, the greater the mileage.
• Consider purchasing a higher-grade diesel fuel.
• Additionally, avoid filling up at a station that has just restocked its ground tanks. The dirt at the bottom of ground tanks is likely to rise to the top and enter your gasoline tank, reducing your fuel efficiency dramatically.

Conduct Routine Maintenance Inspections

Regular maintenance on your truck might help you save money on fuel. For instance, if you have low tire pressure, your vehicle would require more gasoline to travel. Additionally, check the trailer and drive axle alignment, as dragging a tire sideways consumes a lot of fuel.

While it is necessary to replace worn-out tires, avoid prematurely pulling them. In comparison to fresh tires, worn-out tires have lower roll resistance, which results in increased fuel efficiency.

Additional recommendations for maintenance and service include the following:

• Keep an eye out for leaky charging air coolers.
• Maintain consistent maintenance intervals
• If you have an older engine, consider having it overhauled.
• Replace worn-out or outdated fuel injectors.

Finally, increasing your fuel economy helps you save money, as fuel normally accounts for 39% of your truck’s operational expenditures. Thus, even a 2% to 3% increase in fuel economy may have a big impact on your bottom line.

It’s always helpful to have someone on your corner who has the expertise and resources to build your company if you want to get the most out of it and secure your profitability.

The best way to ensure the long-term profitability of your trucking business is to consult and collaborate with an established industry expert. You can find that kind of support here at MorPro with our program, such as Maverick, Digital Nomad, and our most recent addition, Business Intelligence, tools designed to help you maximize profitability.