Fleet Management
Tips to Reduce your Fleet Fuel Expenses
As the economy slowly recovers and consumption for supplies return to pre-pandemic levels, Americans continue to see rising prices for pretty much everything, especially fuel.
We understand that running a business which heavily rely on vehicles is difficult in the midst of these fuel price hikes. Here are some tips that may help you cut down fuel costs for your fleet.
Stop Idling
According to the U.S Department of Energy, it is recommended to turn off your vehicle’s engine when your vehicle is parked for more than 10 seconds. Doing this will significantly reduce idling that can consume up to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use.
Curb Aggressive Driving
Avoid aggressive driving which include speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking. Doing this can lower your highway gas mileage by 15% to 30% and your city mileage by 10% to 40%.
Driving at reasonable speeds.
Above 50 mph, gas mileage rapidly drops. Additional 5 mph above 50 mph is akin to paying an additional $0.22 per gallon.
Planning your Routes
Choosing the most efficient route and smoother roads significantly increases the efficiency and productivity of the fleet while reducing fuel costs.
Watch your Tire Pressure
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 pound per square inch (PSI) drop in the average pressure of all tires. You can reduce fuel costs by monitoring tire pressure. Tire pressure is also affected by outside temperatures, so be sure to check frequently, especially when the weather fluctuates. This is especially true in cold climates or extremely hot ones.
Regular Maintenance Checks
A comprehensive vehicle maintenance strategy can help fleet managers and drivers conserve fuel. Your fleet may already rely on these practices to ensure vehicle efficiency.
Here are some recommendations by the U.S Department of Energy:
Using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in an engine can improve fuel economy by 1%–2%.
Regular engine tune-ups ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and can save you time and money in the long run. Tuning a neglected vehicle or fixing one that failed an emissions test can increase fuel economy by an average of 4%.
You can conveniently manage and implement all these tips by setting up a reliable Telematics system in place like Geotab.
To read up more about Geotab and what it can offer your business click on these links below:
Geotab
Geotab Fleet Fuel Management
ELD Compliance Solution
Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/saving-money-gas
https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/vehicle_maintenance.html
https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/
