Be fuel smart - Part III

Published in Western Canada Highway News:
The 4Refuel approach recognizes that on-the-road practices have a big impact on whether your fleet is getting the best bang for the fuel buck. “A truck driven using poor driving habits can use up to 35 per cent more fuel than a truck driven using fuel-efficient driving techniques,” states a 4Refuel fact sheet. Companies have seen dramatic fuel savings after implementing “smart driver” programs.
Maintaining reasonable speeds and not accelerating too quickly are two simple tactics for conserving fuel on the road. According to Natural Resources Canada, reducing your cruising speed from 100 klicks to 90 can result in 10 per cent better fuel economy. An increase from 100 to 110 can worsen fuel economy by a similar magnitude.
Another simple measure is to reduce idling. It’s stating the obvious to say that the worst gas mileage a vehicle can get is zero distance per litre, so prolonged idling is obviously a waste of fuel. A commercial truck driver can save thousands of dollars on fuel annually just by eliminating unnecessary idling, according to Natural Resources Canada. As well, letting an engine idle for too long can cause damage that shortens engine life and harms fuel economy.
Low tire pressure also adversely affects fuel economy. Tires under-inflated by 15 per cent can reduce fuel economy by one per cent or more. Proper inflation also improves braking performance and tire life, by the way.
Make sure your fleet goes out on the road with proper lubrication. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal fuel economy. According to International Truck and Engine, using a 10W-30 instead of a 5W-30 can reduce fuel economy by two per cent. An extra two per cent in diesel expenses adds up to a lot of money for a busy fleet.
Lastly, drivers can improve the distance they get from every tankful by removing unnecessary weight. By that we don’t mean dieting and exercising to lose body fat (though it might not be a bad idea). Losing as little as 100 pounds (45 kilograms) from what a rig is carrying can mean a significantly smaller diesel bill for an 800-km haul.
The federal government has a program called SmartDriver for Highway Trucking. Free information on that and fuel-smart practices generally can be obtained online at fleetsmart.nrcan.gc.ca.