The shipping and transportation industry is a very important one that ensures products are shipped all over the country. One essential job in this industry is the truck driver. Those that are truck drivers may find that it is exceedingly difficult to be profitable and manage costs due to higher diesel prices. Fortunately, for drivers wondering how to improve fuel economy as a trucker, some tips can be followed to help improve their fuel efficiency.
Reduce Speed
One of the ways that you can reduce your diesel costs is by reducing your speed. Once your truck starts approaching 65 MPH, fuel efficiency begins to reduce with each increased level of speed. If you want to keep your diesel costs lower, reducing your speed is a good option.
Keep the Truck Running Efficiently
Another way that you can reduce your fuel costs is by keeping your truck running efficiently. If you have a truck that is past due for oil changes, tire rotations, and other forms of service, it can start to put a lot of strain on the truck. This will then lead to higher fuel prices as the truck will be less efficient. Due to this, staying current with your service needs can help to reduce your fuel costs moving forward.
Check Tires
Due to the size and weight of a truck, the tires need to be in great condition. While these tires are designed to last for a very long time, the excess strain will start to take its toll. If you notice that your tire pressure is low or they look flat, your truck will start to operate less efficiently. Because of this, you should check the tires regularly to make sure they are inflated enough to maximize your fuel MPG.
Know Where You Are Going
A surprising way that some drivers will waste fuel is by going the wrong way. If you do not take the optimal route, and instead drive further or longer than you need to, you are ultimately wasting unnecessary fuel. A great way to prevent this is by planning your route in advance and using smart GPS systems that will provide you with the right path.
Don’t Leave It Running
Some truckers are in the habit of leaving their truck running when they are behind the wheel but not on the road. If you are simply sitting in your truck and relaxing, you should turn the engine off entirely. While idling does not burn as much fuel as driving, it does burn some and will ultimately waste some of your hard-earned money.
A truck driver today will always want to find ways to reduce fuel costs. While diesel today costs more than it has in the past, there are tips for better diesel fuel economy that can be followed to help reduce these expenses. These tips can help make any driver more efficient when behind the wheel of a truck.