There are only a few things in the world that make us tear up. The ending of the movie Titanic, having to say goodbye to our dog when we leave for work and looking at the price of gas. This is why we wanted to put together a few fuel-efficient trucking tips to try to cut down on those trips to the pump.
1. Download GasBuddy
We’re going to cheat a bit right off the top, but it’s our list, and we’ll do what we want! However, the real reason this one is number one is that it might be the best way to save money on fuel.
GasBuddy is a free app you can download straight onto your phone that will give you a birds-eye view of all the gas stations near you, or even better, on your route! It shows you the spread of the highest and lowest prices and has filters for things like fuel type, payment method, and more.
You can even help other drivers by pitching in and reporting gas prices when you stop!
2. Stop Less
It would be nice to just drive right by every gas station you pass, but unfortunately, we don’t live in a fairy tale.
However, when you do inevitably stop for gas, do everything you need to do in one stop! Hit the bathroom, grab some food, or take a break. Limiting the amount of time you go off the route is an easy way to use less fuel.
Check Out Another Blog: Truck Driving Tips For Surveillance and Risk-Reduction!
3. From The Ground Up
Your tires connect your truck to the road and might just be causing you to spend more than you should on fuel!
First, make sure you’re using tires that are properly rated for the load. If you’re transporting a lighter load, you don’t need heavier tires that will cost you fuel efficiency. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated! Even a small dip in your tire’s PSI can lead to large fuel costs if you’re spending lots of time on the road.
4. Aerodynamics
We’re not going to sit here and tell you that aerodynamics isn’t complicated, but all we actually need to know is that it’s just about how air moves around your truck. The more easily it can cut through the air, the less drag your truck has. This leads to better fuel economy.
If you’re driving a more modern truck, it is likely built to be as Aerodynamic as possible with things like rounded corners and side mirrors. However, there are still things like trailer skirts and fairings that can be added to older models to make them more fuel efficient!
You should also make sure all aerodynamic devices on your truck are in good working condition with no rips, tears, or defects.
5. Keep Your Distance
The best way to conserve fuel is to conserve energy. Every time you brake, you’re losing energy, and you’ll have to spend fuel to get it back.
With this in mind, avoid as much harsh braking as possible by giving yourself plenty of time to react to conditions on the road. Keep your eyes scanning well ahead and leave enough space between you and the car in front.
