If you’ve ever driven a vehicle, you’ve probably wondered, “How can I improve my gas mileage?”
We’re all looking to save some money, and with gas prices changing regularly, you never know when your next trip to the gas pump will leave you with a sizable dent in your bank account. But what if there were small ways you could improve your gas mileage through maintenance and more efficient driving?
For diesel truck drivers, this is especially important. Here are several ways you can save on fuel costs for your diesel engine.
Don’t overfill your tank
This is a tempting thing to do, especially if you’re fueling up for a good price. However, it’s not good for your engine performance. When you fill your tank to capacity, heat can make it expand and overflow. This can happen either by the sun or by the heat from the engine. Overflowing fuel is wasteful and dangerous to other drivers on the road. The extra fuel can also add more weight, which slows down the vehicle.
Be moderate with braking
When you come to a complete stop, you use more fuel to begin again. While you should always come to a complete stop at stop signs, traffic lights, and obey all traffic laws, you can still be strategic in using your brakes to minimize the times you need to start from a complete stop.
Regulate your speed
Are you really going to reach your destination faster by continuing to push the accelerator? Probably not, but you’ll definitely use more fuel. When you accelerate quickly, your engine burns more fuel. That’s why it’s important to maintain your speed at the speed limit, which is usually around 65 miles per hour on interstates.
Regularly inflate your tires
Along with being safer and lasting longer, properly inflated tires can make a significant difference in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Even just a slight drop in tire pressure can reduce your fuel efficiency, so be sure to check every time you hit the road.
Don’t idle your engine
You have to idle your engine sometimes, especially during the winter months. However, do this in a minimal amount to reduce burning fuel just standing still.
Avoid revving the engine
It may be fun in the moment, but revving your engine is just a fast way to needlessly burn fuel. Shift to your next gear slowly and thoughtfully rather than as quickly as possible.
Use your air conditioner sparingly
During the brutal summer months, of course, use your air conditioning as much as you need. But remember that blasting your AC zaps your fuel, so use it strategically and sparingly.
Watch for upcoming red lights
As stated earlier, coming to a complete stop and restarting again cuts into your fuel efficiency significantly. If you see an upcoming traffic light is red, begin slowing down sooner for the chance it may turn green before you reach the intersection. This will help in reducing the times you come to a complete stop.
Maintain an adequate distance between you and the other cars
This is driving 101, but it also makes a difference in your fuel efficiency. The more space between you and the driver in front of you, the fewer stops or slow-downs you’ll need to make. And that means less acceleration and more fuel left in your tank.
Avoid needless acceleration
This is especially true when traveling over hills. If you’re not using the cruise control, allow your truck’s momentum to carry it over the hill’s apex and avoid hitting your acceleration unnecessarily.
Use truck stops at the top of hills
This is a tip to keep in mind when you need to take a break out on the road. If possible, find a truck stop on top of a hill so you can use the momentum to get started again without having to accelerate.
Use caution on slippery roads
Roads with ice, snow, or other precipitation make it harder for tires to grip. Even gravel roads make your vehicle work harder to accelerate. Large semis need to accelerate more slowly from a complete stop to save fuel and increase safety.
Adjust your air deflectors
Air deflectors are especially useful if you have a high or uneven load height. If your truck has roof-mounted air deflectors, you can adjust them to guide air over the highest part of your trailer.
Reduce your load height
When your load extends over the top of your truck, it affects the aerodynamics of your vehicle and creates resistance. An uneven load can also impact your aerodynamics and affect how much effort your truck needs to make to get moving. Try to keep your load as low and even as possible to improve the fuel economy.
Certified Diesel Solutions in Knoxville, TN
Maintaining your diesel truck or fleet of diesel engine vehicles is critical to running your business effectively and operating at peak fuel efficiency is key to saving on costs and getting the most from your driving time. You can also have an ASE certified diesel technician inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s operating properly. By trusting the advice of an experienced diesel mechanic, you will be saving time and money. At Certified Diesel Solutions, we pride ourselves on providing the best service and care for your truck or fleet. We provide fleet management, maintenance, and repair services for both diesel and gasoline engines in Knoxville, TN. Whether you are the owner/operator of your own tractor-trailer or you have a fleet of trucks to manage, we are committed to keeping your vehicle on the road and in good working order. Contact us online or by calling (865) 964-6598 to make an appointment for a repair or preventative maintenance visit.