How to Maximize Fuel Efficiency in Older Trucks

Fleet managers are always searching for ways to cut costs and have their fleet’s running as efficiently as possible. Keeping up on truck maintenance is a huge factor in doing that! Another way to save is by implementing a South Carolina fleet card for your drivers.

Here are some maintenance tips that can help you save on your fleet’s fuel productivity.

1.    How Excess Oil Can Affect Your Fleet’s Vehicles

Sometimes in the upper intake manifold, an oil catch will collect excess oil that extracts as the engine operates. Removing this oil from the engine’s cylinders leaves you with just the right amount of gasoline and oxygen leading to better fuel efficiency.

2.    The Benefit of Adding Fuel Injection Cleaner

Adding fuel injection cleaner will keep your valves lubricated and maintain your engine’s caliber, ultimately making the vehicle more efficient.

3.    How to Know When to Change Your Spark Plugs

Have your spark plugs changed colors? If so, then your engine’s fuel burn is off. This can mean that your O2 sensor needs some attention. At 60,000 miles, your iridium spark plugs need to be changed, and copper plugs need to be changed every 7,000 miles.

4.    When to Upgrade Your Exhaust

Unfortunately, as time goes on, your exhaust system corrodes and must be replaced. However, you can do inexpensive upgrades to make your system more efficient like adding new mufflers, turndown, and spout kits. If it’s still running poorly, it might be time to upgrade your exhaust system.

5.    The Impact of Electrical Grounds on Your Truck

The thicker the wires that are installed in your truck, the more accurate the data will be from its sensors. This information can show you from where you’re losing the most fuel, like sitting idle for too long. Improving driver behavior can save your fleet money.

6.    Why You Need to Keep Your Tires Full

Under-filled tires result in every drive being inefficient. Driving with flatter tires can increase friction that leads to overheating, tread separation, and blowouts. Considering the size of your fleet, you have a great opportunity to save money once your tires are the right pressure.

7.    The Importance of Truck Suspension

When your truck is fully loaded down, the vehicle uses excess fuel. If you need to carry heavy loads frequently, then replace your shocks with adjustable air springs.

8.    Why You Need an Aerodynamic Fleet

Take anything off your truck that isn’t pulling its own weight. Get rid of all unnecessary racks and bumpers because use extra fuel.  Load your truck as efficiently as possible and place the weight evenly from the cab and back. It might be a good idea to have your drivers practice driving on a simulator to maximize on driving as economically as possible.

9.    Get A Fleet Fuel Card

A fleet fuel card can use data to back your decisions, and let you know how your drivers perform. Shaving mileage and energy are pointless if your drivers aren’t working with you every mile of the way. Contact us or call us today at 1-855-GO-FUELZ to find out more about what we can for your business.