Fuel efficiency is always a priority but record high fuel costs and trucking demand means it's even more imperative to keep your fleet on the road – as efficiently as possible. Running a fuel-efficient fleet means maximizing output and adding dollars to your bottom line. Here are 5 actions you can take to maintain your fleet's fuel efficiency.
Driver behaviors are core to driving efficiency, and simple reminders for your drivers will help them maximize their efforts. A few ways your drivers can contribute to fuel efficiency are:
Staying on top of preventative maintenance will extend the life of your truck and tires, and improve fuel efficiency. Regularly checking and changing air filters and oil ensures that engines run smoothly. Using the proper oil can improve gas mileage by up to 2%. Tire maintenance including alignment, tread, and pressure safeguard against accidents and keep you on the road longer – but the benefits don’t stop there, balanced tires means your trucks are running more efficiently. A Doran 360™ tire monitoring system can help you proactively monitor your tires. Even keeping your trucks clean helps them run more smoothly.
Maintaining proper tire alignment improves fuel efficiency by allowing tires to roll freely, increasing fuel economy by over $0.30 per gallon. Balanced tires also ensure an even tread – another facet of tire care that leads to efficiency.
Knowing when it’s time to re-tread or replace tires to maintain performance also maximizes fuel efficiency. Substandard tire tread leads to more drag and lower mileage per gallon. A Doran 360™ tire monitoring system can help optimize tire tread and balance.
Tactics already mentioned support aerodynamics for your trailers, such as optimal tire tread and keeping your trucks clean. As you know, too much skin friction, or friction drag, will lead to lower fuel economy. Reducing drag has long been a hot topic in the industry and there have been several technical innovations to reduce the role drag plays in fuel efficiency, including:
Proper tire inflation pressure is paramount to minimizing drag. Low pressure means more friction with the road and lower gas mileage. Doran 360™ TPMS alerts you of tire pressure issues in real-time, so your drivers can correct it immediately and get back on the road.
Not only does proper tire inflation reduce drag, but it also aids in maintaining consistent speeds and improves tread life – enabling some of the key tactics we’ve already covered. It is estimated that low pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%. You can further optimize your tire pressure – and fuel efficiency -- with Doran 360™ TPMS. With tire inflation monitoring your drivers can eliminate manually checking tire pressures before each trip, saving them an average of 15-20 mins during their pre-trip inspection.
Effective maintenance, monitoring, and driving habits will improve fuel efficiency and save your fleet time and money. Doran 360™ TPMS will double down on your fuel efficiency with its simple in-cab display that provides real-time communication of tire pressure and temperature issues.
Doran 360™ TPMS is quick and easy to install, so you can get started improving fuel efficiency today. Give us a call or send us a message, and tell us about the issues facing your fleet. We'll provide a solution to increase efficiency and make your fleet more profitable year after year.
INFOREQUEST@DORANMFG.COM 866-816-7233
