Little changes in your daily routine can make a BIG difference when it comes to fuel efficiency! In fact, increasing your fuel efficiency by 1 MPG can save over $10,000 per year. Here are a few easy ways to cut down on fuel consumption:
Maintenance Tips to Help Save Fuel
Keep up with Proper Tire Rotation and Inflation
To minimize and evenly distribute wear and tear on your tires, make sure the truck makes it into the shop every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Under-inflated tires not only decrease gas mileage, but can also be dangerous on the road.
Watch your Vehicle Alignment
An important way to get the best MPG is to keep your rig’s tires straight. Improper alignment – even as little of ¼ degree off on a tire – can cause your vehicle to drift 10-15 feet sideways every mile.
Keep an Eye on the Fan
The engine fan usually runs 5%-7% of the time the engine is running, but will kick in more often if something is functioning improperly. The fan runs, the more horsepower your rig uses.
Check Battery Cables
Monitor and clean your battery cables regularly. If they become corroded, the alternator will be forced to work harder, eating into your fuel efficiency.
Driving Habits to Help Save Fuel
Roll into your Stops
Lay off the brake and let your rig downshift naturally as you approach intersections.
Utilize Cruise Control, but at a Lower Speed
More speed, more fuel burned. Keep a consistent speed and rely on cruise settings, but bump it down a little and see how much you’ll save! Fun fact: Every 1 MPH increase in speed results in a .14 MPG drop in fuel economy.
Keep your Rig in a High Gear
Driving at a high speed in a low gear can consume 45% more fuel than is needed.
Manage your RPM
Your truck’s “sweet spot” – the most efficient RPM to run your engine – generally lies between 1250 and 1350 RPM. It’s a great place to live on long routes to keep fuel efficiency at a maximum.
Drive at Moderate Speeds
Generally, MPG will drop rapidly over 50 mph. When possible, stay at or under the speed limit, and drive at a consistent rate of speed to save fuel.
Reduce Idling
When you are stopping even for a short period of time, shut your engine down. Unnecessary or excessive idling is one of the biggest contributors to negatively impacting fuel efficiency.
Drive Friendly
Gunning the engine, excessive speed, abrupt corners and jamming the gas pedal are great ways to drain your fuel tank prematurely.
Keep your Rig Aerodynamic
Good aerodynamics impact your rig’s fuel efficiency by reducing drag, especially at high speeds. To achieve this, keep windows shut and keep your truck’s exterior clean and streamlined.
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