Saving on fuel for commercial vehicles can go a long way; the fuel cost is one of the significant expenses following the depreciation of cars. Therefore, it is essential for any business dealing in commercial vehicles to have processes in place to manage the cost of fuel, maximize its efficiency, and save energy.
The simplest thing to do to save on fuel is to drive less or slow down. However, for commercial vehicles, this is not possible; driving, whether to transport goods or people, is the source of income for these businesses. You can buy cheap diesel to save on fuel costs, but there are different things you can try.
Below are a few tips you can follow to save on fuel for your commercial vehicle.
Drive Economically
You can save on fuel by driving smoothly, maintaining a steady speed, changing gears sensibly when it is practical, shut off the engine when idling for long periods, and avoiding routes that have heavy traffic. If you drive an automatic car, once it gains ample speed, ease up on the accelerator.
When you drive on the freeway, use cruise control if it is available, slow down, and use the air conditioner minimally. Use the economy mode if it’s available in your vehicle’s transmission, and if you do not have air conditioning, roll up your windows and use the ventilation system instead.
Service your Vehicle Regularly
Servicing your car not only saves on fuel but also reduces the running costs. Part of servicing your vehicle is having its engine maintained. Get more details on diesel engine maintenance here.
- Change the engine oil regularly and use that which is recommended by the manufacturer.
- Tune your engine correctly
- Ensure filters are in a good state
- Ensure that ignition and fuel systems are working
In the event that your car is underperforming or requires costly repairs, however, you may need to consider looking for a new vehicle, such as this Land Rover Defender commercial for sale. This model is specially designed to handle tough conditions and can offer reliability even in challenging environments.
Reduce the Load
Unnecessary items add weight to your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. For commercial vehicles that cover long distances, added weight increases the gallons of fuel consumed per mile. Also, external attachments on the roof of your commercial vehicle will increase fuel consumption because of increased wind resistance. Load them properly, and when not in use, avoid carrying them.
Inflate your Tires Correctly
Have your vehicle’s tire pressure checked regularly when they are cold. If you have drivers working for you, provide them with tire gauges to help them inflate tires to the level that is recommended by the manufacturer. You can also check the tire pressure on the placard that is inside the glove box.
Buy Fuel at Specific, Affordable Places
Check online for gas stations offering the best deals. If your business has a membership to a chain of warehouses and wholesale clubs, you can get gas at the lowest prices. With grocery stores and some retailers, you can get fuel at a discount without a membership fee requirement. You can also save on gas by purchasing gift cards.
Bottom Line
If you are a commercial vehicle owner, you can save on costs by saving on fuel consumption. Practicing economic driving like using air conditioning sparingly, reduce the weight and amount of load, inflate tires correctly, and buy fuel at designated places that offer affordable prices. Also, you can extend the lifespan of your car by servicing it regularly.