Guttman Energy Fleet Fuel Cards help our customers save big while fueling, but what surprises many people is that we also go the extra mile to help them make the most of that fuel. Over the years, we’ve learned some tricks of the trade that can help to increase fuel efficiency, decreasing your costs. Read on for our Fueling Intelligence tips recommendations on how to make the most of your fuel once you’ve gotten it.
Taking Care of Tires
Your tires alone are a huge factor in creating optimal conditions for conserving fuel. There are many things to consider when it comes to caring for your tires.
Wear on the Tires
Worn truck tires (tires used for 35,000-50,000 miles) can give you up to 7% better fuel efficiency than new tires. A 7/32 tread wear gives you about a 10% reduction in rolling resistance (about 5% better miles per gallon) compared to a new tire.
Rolling Resistance
Experts recommend low-rolling-resistance tires, as they can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 5%. Low-rolling-resistance tires are designed to minimize drag and improve airflow over your entire truck, which can save you money on fuel.
Driving Technique
The way you drive can also impact your fuel consumption. Some of these driving techniques tips may seem obvious, but they are also the ones that are most overlooked.
Watch Your Gas Pedal
Monitoring your speed can help you to burn fuel more efficiently. Every 1 MPH increase in speed results in a .14 MPG decrease in fuel economy. If you can, use the downward part of the hills to build momentum instead of the gas.
Stay in High Gear
Driving in the highest gear possible is a good way to help maximize fuel efficiency. Traveling at faster rates in low gears can consume 45% more fuel than is needed.
Avoid Overfilling
When fuel is heated, it can begin to expand. This means if you fill your tank to capacity, the expanded fuel can cause the tank to overflow and waste fuel.
Physical Upgrades
Checking certain systems on your truck can help clean and optimize them to allow for energy consumption for essential processes.
Allow for Air Flow
Upgrading to a high-flow exhaust system and high-flow air filter can help to ease strain on your engine and cooling fans, which in turn, helps your truck use less energy.
Support Your Suspension
Add helper springs to alleviate undue pressure on tires. Bulging tires wear out faster and create more friction, making the truck work harder and burn more fuel.
For more fuel savings solutions and market logistics, talk to a Guttman Energy fleet fuel card representative today at 724.489.5199.
