ARTICLE – Money Saving Tips

Nobody is any too happy about the rising cost of fuel except those getting rich off it, which isn’t you or me.  Complaining doesn’t make the fuel price go down or put more money in pocket. Taking control of those things that you can change can help you keep more of your money and get more miles per gallon. 

We at Easy Trucking Software care about you and your business.  We feel your pain and are trying to help you. 

Here are some tips I found that can help you.

Fuel Economy

You can expect a 10% variation in fuel economy from one season of the year to the another.  Wet roads and high winds of winter take their toll in fuel economy.

Tire Thumpers

Your tire pressure changes with the weather and road conditions.  Don’t forget to check your tire pressure often and adjust it as needed.  Include your trailer tires too.  A 10 psi fall in tire pressure is likely to result in a 1% fall in fuel economy.  Doing a simple thing as this can put some extra miles per gallon on the odometer,  save you money and help with the wear and tear on the tires.

Check out low-rolling-resistance tires.  They can give fuel economy gains of up to 6% on long-haul work.

Truck Aerodynamics

Check the aerodynamics of your truck.  A roof deflector or having a bubble on the trailer will help reduce wind drag.  

Here are some things you want to check:

Cab roof deflector – nearly half the total of air drag comes from here

Cab sun visor

Air dam

Cab side edge turning vanes

Cab extension panels / collar

Trailer front fairing

Side skirts / panels

Roof tapering

Every little thing you can do to help streamline your truck all adds up to getting you more miles per gallon of fuel, which helps keep more money in your pocket. 

Engine efficiency

Running/driving the engine in it most efficient operating rpm range at all times.  Check your trucks owner manual or website for specs.  Inefficient operation leads to problems down the road and helps contribute to loss of miles per gallon you could be getting.

A typical 420hp heavy-duty truck engine consumes fuel at the rate of around 1/2 gallon an hour with the truck stationary and the engine idling.

Keep your air filter as clean as you possibly can. Stay current on vehicle pre-maintenance with oil and all filters. Keep a log of regular maintenance and filter brands that perform better than others.   

Reduce horsepower demand which is a combination of vehicle configuration, condition, load and driver operation. 

Inspect air intake and exhaust systems. Look for leaks in the after-cooler piping, after-cooler core etc.  

Check fuel pressure. 

Make sure engine is up to operating temp. Usually 190° 

Check fuel quality: Fuel should be 35 API at 60°. Thinner winter blend will reduce fuel mileage considerably. 

Fuel heaters: should be thermostatically controlled. Off in summer and only on when needed in the winter. 

Oil: use 10w30 in all but the hottest weather. If you are running 15w40 in the winter it’s hurting fuel mileage.

Clutch fan: must cycle on and off. Fans require 15-18hp to run. 

Black smoke is money going out your exhaust pipe and means the engine/fuel system is our of tune. There should be no black smoke when changing gears or accelerating. 

Gas/break pedal

Don’t be quickly jumping on and off of either.  Keep a constant speed when on the open road, use cruise control if you have it.  When moving into slower traffic, move slowly and rolling ahead, avoid having to come to a complete stop.

These tips are brought to you by your friends at Easy Trucking Software.