Improving fuel economy should be a top priority for fleet managers and owners. There are practical, driver-focused ways to get the most mileage per gallon and increase your bottom line.
Don’t Idle When Possible
Idling your vehicle may seem harmless, but it gobbles up fuel. Idling uses roughly half a gallon of fuel per hour. While it may seem like nothing for a few minutes, those minutes can quickly add up. Instead of thinking of it as idle time, think of it as money trickling away on your diesel fleet. When at a rest stop, turn the vehicle off and avoid idling when waiting to get on the road.
Accelerate Evenly and Not Suddenly
When merging, don’t feel the need to rush the process and push the pedal to the medal. A fast and sudden acceleration like that can hurt your diesel engine’s fuel. The sudden burst causes excess fuel burn, meaning less mileage in the long run. Instead, use a steady acceleration to prevent excess burning and a lower RPM, resulting in better fleet fuel economy.
Cruise Control and Lower Highway Speeds
Cruise control has its uses and can benefit fuel mileage. On flat, steady terrain, cruise control can maintain a constant speed and fuel usage range. Without that continuous shift in speed, your mileage will improve during the trip. If you don’t have the chance to use cruise control on a highway, focus instead on driving at a lower speed. Driving slightly slower can boost your diesel fleet mileage by not burning up fuel as fast.
Optimize Vehicle Weight
If your drivers are delivering cargo, their vehicles mustn’t be overloaded. An overburdened vehicle can drastically increase the fuel used to move it, decreasing overall fleet fuel economy . It can also cause excess wear and tear, leading to more fleet maintenance. Instead, load the vehicle to the optimum weight and nothing beyond. Then, while on the road, remember the above tips to optimize your mileage across the board.
Pre-Trip Inspections Are Important
Inspecting your vehicle is an essential step for any trip and maintaining fleet maintenance. Properly inflated tires, balanced cargo, a clean engine, and lubricated parts are crucial. These little details all play a role in vehicle performance and fuel mileage. Ensure the tires are correctly inflated, and the engine and vehicle parts are all in working condition. That will keep your drivers safe on the road and help improve your fleet fuel economy.
For all your fleet maintenance needs, inspections, and repairs, Motorplex is there to keep your diesel fleet in its best shape.
If you need help with your fleet maintenance, reach out to Motorplex. We have shops in Auburn and Spokane, Washington.
Motorplex has shops in Spokane and Auburn, WA and we offer onsite mobile repairs. Whether you need a maintenance check or oil pump repairs, book your service appointment.
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
