In the previous blog, we discussed ways that a driver can influence fuel consumption. Managing driving patterns, route planning and the use of air conditioning were just a few of the ways that a smart driver can spend less time at the pump and more time on the road.
The second part of this discussion centers more on the truck itself. Design, set up, and accessories can all work together to help the driver limit fuel usage.
Here are a few ideas for letting your truck do the work:
• Preventative Maintenance – Let’s start with the most basic of procedures. All reputable carriers prescribe a preventative maintenance program for their rigs. While the mechanics go over the truck from stem to stern, rest assured that keeping the equipment in tip-top shape will work wonders on the fuel usage.
• Engine Idle Shutdown Software – Your engine’s computer can be equipped with a program that will shut it down when it has idled too long. Every hour your truck runs in idle is at least one gallon of fuel wasted.
• Electronic Speed Limiter – Interacts with the engine to make sure the speed is maintained below a prescribed level. Lowering the RPMs and the speed conserves thousands of dollars of fuel over the course of a year. The effect on an entire fleet can be huge for a company.
• Adaptive Cruise Control – Installed behind the grill of the truck, this device uses radar to detect slower traffic in front of the vehicle. This automatic control helps maintain steady fuel use as well as keep the truck, the driver and the other vehicles on the highway safe.
• Aerodynamics – The body of the truck can be fitted with roof deflectors, side skirts, nose cones and other design features that can sharply affect the miles per gallon.
Who knows what the price of a gallon of fuel will be in the days and months to come. It can safely be assumed that it will not go down, or at least not much. So, both from an economical and ecological standpoint, doing everything we can to hold down fuel consumption is in all our best interests.
