We’re just like you. We love saving money. Reducing the amount of money spent on gas in company vehicles will result in some serious savings overtime. The good news? There are several ways you can make small changes today that will help improve truck gas mileage and start putting money back into your business.
By choosing aluminum for your truck body, monitoring and maintaining proper vehicle engine health, keeping speed in check, and maintaining inflated tires, you’ll begin to improve truck gas mileage in no time.
Explore these 4 simple steps in depth:
1. Choose Aluminum for Your Company Vehicle
Did you know that aluminum van bodies typically weigh up to 40% less than steel van bodies? That’s a huge difference! Consider the additional payload your business could be transporting when you’re not carrying the unnecessary extra weight in the van body itself. A lighter Van Body also means less gas consumption and therefore less greenhouse gases. Choosing aluminum for your company’s fleet is one of the most effective ways to improve truck gas mileage, especially when you also factor in the increased maintenance needs of steel bodies, as well as the guaranteed rust you’ll get with a steel vehicle.
2. Monitor and Maintain Engine Health
A vehicle can burn up to 30% more fuel if proper engine maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule, according to The Globe and Mail. Maintaining your fleet’s engines not only extends vehicle life but also helps improve truck gas mileage in measurable ways.
In addition to engine upkeep, consider paying closer attention to the following:
- Change your air filter frequently. This can improve truck gas mileage by up to 10%, according to the Car Care Council.
- ‘Spark plugs in poor condition can reduce gas mileage up to 12%’ according to Advance Auto Parts.
- Replace the oxygen sensor after 100,000 miles. The oxygen sensor “monitors exhaust flow before and after the catalytic converter, sending the data to the engine computer, which adjusts the fuel injection level. When it is faulty, the data aren’t accurate. (Bankrate.com)
3. Keep Your Speed in Check
One of the easiest ways to improve truck gas mileage is to reduce speeding. According to the Car Care Council, “aggressive drivers can save as much as 49 cents per gallon if they ease up on the gas and brakes.” A simple way to do this is to use the cruise control option when doing any highway driving. Implementing cruise control can save your company between 6-10 cents a gallon, according to Forbes.com.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy states that “(gas) mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph,” and Consumer Reports found that dropping from 75 to 55 in an SUV saved 33 percent in gas consumption.
The bottom line? Slow down, use your cruise control, and you’ll improve truck gas mileage while also saving money at the pump.
4. Maintain Inflated Tires
Did you know underinflated tires can affect fuel economy by as much as 25%? It’s true, according to Forbes.com. Keeping your tires properly inflated, balanced, and aligned keeps your vehicle safe, efficient, and helps improve truck gas mileage over the long term.
According to Bank Rate, it’s smart to “check your tire pressure at least once a month. Under-inflated tires burn more fuel. If tires are 8 pounds under inflated, (not an uncommon condition), rolling resistance of the tires increases by 5 percent. Because tires naturally lose air, check pressure monthly to ensure optimal gas mileage and handling. It will also help the tires last longer.”