Seven Ways To Improve Fuel Economy
Fuel is a major expense for fleets, and improving fuel economy can result in significant savings while potentially increasing a vehicle's lifespan. Fortunately, there are several ways fleets can improve fuel economy.
1. Spec the Right Vehicle
Choosing the proper specifications for the application a vehicle will run in 80% of the time is one of the top opportunities to improve fuel economy.
2. Stay Current on Preventive Maintenance
Today's engines are more efficient from a fuel economy standpoint, but they can't tolerate a lack of maintenance. Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing, said preventive maintenance is critical to improving fuel economy.
For example, exhaust leaks affect waste heat recovery and passive and active regenerations. If there are air leaks, the air compressor must run constantly. “All of those little things have a parasitic loss, and all of that adds up," he said.
Other maintenance issues include:
- Poor battery maintenance can cause the alternator to charge excessively
- Improper belt tension and worn belts can cause components to be overworked or perform poorly
- Regular greasing of components, such as the brake S-cams, slack adjusters, etc., prevents dragging
- Proper brake maintenance is also essential, as worn brake parts or brakes out of adjustment can cause brakes to drag
- Proper cooling system maintenance allows the engine to run efficiently
- Proper clutch adjustment on mechanical linkage and manual transmissions prevents slippage
3. Check Engines
As part of preventive maintenance, Penske techs validate engine parameters, such as road and cruise speeds and especially idle shutdown, which can alter fuel economy. Techs also check for various software updates. Many of the required updates improve vehicle reliability, regens and fuel economy.
4. Use Quality Products
Using good quality motor oil and filters, as well as quality air filters, can improve fuel economy while also prolonging engine life.
5. Inspect Aerodynamic Devices
For vehicles that spend most of their time on the highway, aerodynamics plays an important part in improving fuel economy. “Keeping devices secure and in good condition is critical," Hough said.
6. Inflate Tires Properly
Proper tire inflation is a critical element when it comes to fuel economy. Tires running just 10 pounds underinflated can impact fuel economy by as much as 1%. Penske checks tire pressure every time a unit is in a service bay for any type of repair. Techs can also inspect tires for irregular wear caused by misalignment, which also impacts fuel economy.
Penske has made tire inflation systems standard on its trailers. Trailers typically aren’t in and out of the shop as often as trucks, and drivers don’t always care for them in the same way. “Tire inflation on those is unbelievably important," Hough said.
7. Reduce Idling
Excessive idling negatively impacts fuel economy, wastes money and can negatively impact the after-treatment system. If parameters are set up properly, excessive idling can be managed. Today's engines don't require a lot of warm-up time, even in the winter.
Most states have regulations that don't allow diesel engines to idle for more than five minutes. “To reduce idling, fleets can spec electric or diesel APUs or stand-alone auxiliary heaters. These heaters burn a lot less fuel than the engine," Hough said.