How To Improve Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is often one of the biggest expenses for most logistics operators, accounting for over 30% of their overall costs on average. This is why reducing the fuel consumption of your trucks is a surefire way to continue to drive a profitable business.

It is important to know about the mechanical and operational factors that demand high fuel consumption and how to avoid them.

Here is a list of vital tips to help improve your semi-truck’s fuel efficiency.
 

Mechanical fuel efficiency

If the mechanical components of your semi-truck are not in optimal shape, it can lead to higher fuel consumption. Fleet managers and drivers must be aware of how each of these elements plays a role in a truck’s poor fuel efficiency.

• Vehicle maintenance

It is important to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained at all times so that every part is working as it is designed to. Regular services and maintenance procedures help to find and solve issues immediately before they become bigger concerns. Service technicians can help identify common issues that result in higher fuel consumption, such as fuel and pressure leaks, clogged air filters, and brake drag/seizure.

• Tyre maintenance

Tyre maintenance is important to reduce fuel consumption. Make sure that your truck always has the correct tyres to avoid high rolling resistance as this impacts fuel efficiency. Be sure to keep an eye on fluctuating air pressure in the tyres as under-inflated tyres cause rolling resistance which impacts fuel economy.

• Fuel and oil maintenance

It is vital always to use the correct fuel and oil prescribed by your truck’s manufacturer. Make sure to stick to a regular service schedule that includes replacing oil lubricants to keep a well-functioning engine, and reducing unnecessary energy losses.

• Axle configuration

Make sure the wheel alignment is correct. When the front and rear wheel axles are not aligned correctly, it leads to increase rolling resistance which requires more fuel to compensate for the issue.

It is also important to get the right axle configuration. A truck’s axle ratio impacts engine revolutions and therefore how much fuel is consumed.

• Aerodynamics

Improving the aerodynamic performance of your truck will help improve its fuel efficiency. Wind resistance and drag create the need for more engine power to maintain speed. There are a few adjustments you can make to ensure your truck has optimal aerodynamics.

Make sure the cab design, height, and roof are all aerodynamic. Be sure to add roof spoilers and deflectors as they have been proven to improve fuel efficiency. Also, fender flares and chassis skirts play a role in wind resistance, so make sure they are as aerodynamic as possible. Remove any unnecessary external accessories such as extra lights and bull bars as they impact wind resistance and the weight of the truck which raises fuel consumption.
 

Operational fuel efficiency

How the truck is operated also plays a crucial part in its fuel efficiency. Updating driver training on fuel consumption and how to properly use the vehicle with a few simple practices can play a significant part in lowering a truck’s consumption of fuel.

• Cruise control

Drivers can use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed that helps to reduce fuel consumption. To improve fuel saving, drivers can use parameter settings for cruise control across entire fleets. 

• Reduce speed

The slower you drive, the less fuel is consumed. Drivers should avoid high speeds when hauling cargo, especially if the load is heavy as increased weight burns more fuel faster. Aggressive accelerating and braking are demanding on your fuel consumption, so drivers must maintain a steady pace if they want to save fuel. Finding the perfect RPM will help keep a truck’s steady pace while also maintaining a consistent consumption of fuel.

• Reduce idling

Keeping the engine idling when not in motion is a very common cause of unnecessary fuel loss. Drivers must avoid keeping the engine on when goods are being loaded and unloaded and instead switch the engine off completely. Drivers must be aware that even though the RPM is low when idling, fuel is still being consumed to keep the engine and other mechanical components running.

During traffic, at red lights, and in any other situations that prevent a truck from moving forward, drivers must get into the habit of turning the engine off completely.

• Route planning

Drivers need to be strategic with their scheduling and route planning to find the most optimally efficient ways to deliver goods and limit operating with no cargo as it affects the maintenance costs. They must consider times of day to avoid traffic, routes with better quality road conditions, and road terrain which all play a role in a truck’s fuel usage.

• Fleet management systems

Fleet management systems and other digital tools help drivers and fleet managers to optimise scheduling and route planning over entire fleets. This can help to identify areas where fleets can improve their fuel consumption. For instance, predictive powertrain control (PPC) utilizes GPS data and 3D mapping to optimize gear shifting, engine speed, and cruising speed based on the road ahead. By anticipating gradients, curves, and speed limits, PPC helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%.
 

Summary

As you can see, there many factors that play a role in how much fuel a truck consumes. From fuel-efficient vehicle selection, for example, by selecting new vehicles with the right specifications for your usage to mechanical and operational efficiency, drivers and fleet managers can adjust their practices and improve overall fuel efficiency.