What Affects Your Fuel Efficiency?
Every truck driver appreciates increased fuel efficiency. After all, no fleet manager has ever dismissed a driver with the words, “Go waste some fuel today.”
But have you ever wondered what affects your truck’s fuel efficiency? It turns out there are a few factors:
Your Vehicle Type
Every truck type, from a tractor-trailer to a diesel pickup, has a different average mpg because of varying vehicle size and engine size, and because each is spec’d differently. Newer heavy-duty diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than older engines as engine technology has advanced. Fuel efficiency is also impacted by the transmission that’s paired with the engine – transmissions running at low RPMs result in increased fuel efficiency. If you’re hauling a trailer or equipment, that affects fuel efficiency as well. Finally, (and, sorry, we need to add this to the list), even your body weight and the body weight of your passengers affects how much fuel you use.
The Way You Drive
Speeding, accelerating, frequent and aggressive lane changes, and harsh braking require an engine to work harder, which wastes fuel. Idling your truck also affects fuel economy. One feature of your truck that can help increase fuel efficiency is cruise control, as long as you use it when driving on long flat stretches of highway.
Where You Drive
Driving on flat highways will result in better fuel economy than going up and down hills. Your elevation also comes into play; the higher the elevation, the less oxygen will be available to the engine, and the less efficiently the fuel will burn. The condition of the road will affect how your truck uses fuel – driving on a smooth surface allows your tires to glide with little resistance. City driving burns fuel faster than country driving due to traffic, traffic lights and stop signs.
The Weather
Windy conditions can cause drag resistance, which can affect fuel usage. Rain, snow, and slush on the roads impact your tires’ rolling resistance negatively, too. An engine takes longer to heat up to its optimal temperature during cold weather. Cold air also increases wind resistance as well as tire pressure, both of which can have negative impacts on fuel efficiency. Conversely, summer driving can also do a number on your truck’s fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, running the air conditioner is the main way to decrease fuel efficiency in the summer.
As you can see, maintaining your fleet’s fuel efficiency is no easy task – and that’s why you can count on our experienced, knowledgeable and friendly team of truck specialists to help you save energy and money. Contact Truck Service of Virginia today for helpful advice!
