Fuel Saving Tips

In these times of rising fuel costs, it’s only natural to look for ways to reduce fuel costs. While switching from driving to using public transport does help but is not feasible for everyone, especially for people living in areas with limited connectivity. Also Public transport cannot replace your fleet of trucks or tractors. Therefore, it’s important to save fuel while driving to reduce overall costs in the long run. We have compiled some fuel saving tips and tricks that can help save money if incorporated into everyday driving. These are as follows:

Breakdown of Fuel Saving Tips

1) Regular maintenance
We are so caught up in our everyday lives that we forget to get our vehicle(s) regularly serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. But it’s essential to service them regularly to get the optimum performance with maximum fuel economy. Keeping the tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations helps provide better road handling and keeps them cool, which leads to improved fuel economy. For vehicles working off road (like tractors) it’s just as important to adjust your tyre pressure to suit the terrain and work being carried out. Using high-quality lubricants not only protects your vehicle components but can also allow for extending the service intervals, which further reduces overall costs.

2) Keeping a gentle right foot
Speed is the biggest fuel-guzzler, so it is essential to keep your right foot light and execute all accelerations gently to drive fuel-efficiently. There will always be times on a journey when you have to accelerate, but it doesn’t mean you have to pull away like you’re at a race track. Driving in the highest gear possible for your vehicle while keeping within the speed limit is the key to better fuel economy.

3) Mindful use of air conditioning 
While air conditioning consumes more fuel, you can use it more thoughtfully to balance convenience with fuel economy. Open your windows for fresh air at low speeds and use an air conditioner at high speed because an open window at high-speed causes unnecessary drag that reduces fuel economy. 

4) Use the momentum
Drive as smoothly as possible, gently using the steering, accelerator, and brakes. It is essential to stay in gear when braking since the fuel cutoff switch in a fuel-injected engine is automatically engaged, which means virtually no fuel is used. Making decisions ahead of time also helps you avoid any sudden braking or steering. For example, suppose you see a roundabout sign and start preparing in advance to change lanes. In that case, you can stay in gear and navigate smoothly compared to sudden and last-minute decisions.

5) Limit Roof Cargo

Roof racks and cargo boxes create aerodynamic drag which decreases fuel efficiency. Use them only when necessary and remove them when not in use. 

6) Reduce unwanted weight
Eliminating unnecessary weight from your vehicle will reduce the overall weight and promote fuel mileage. Also, it would improve your road handling and braking allowing you to be safer on the road. For trucks, it can make a significant difference if unnecessary weights are avoided as it would not only lighten the overall weight but also make more room for important/desired items. Therefore, by driving or reminding your team to drive with these tips and tricks in mind, you can gain some control over the fuel costs.

7) Choosing the correct lubricants

Choosing the right lubricants is essential for improving fuel economy in vehicles. High-quality lubricants minimise friction between engine components, ensuring smoother and more efficient operation. This reduction in friction not only enhances engine performance & protection but also significantly lowers fuel consumption. By optimising the lubrication system, vehicles can achieve better mileage, as less energy is wasted overcoming mechanical resistance. Additionally, synthetic lubricants like Quartz Ineo Xtra EC6 0W-20 are formulated to maintain their viscosity and protective qualities over a wider range of temperatures and operating conditions, further contributing to fuel efficiency. You can further increase the fuel economy when you pair your fuel economy engine oil with a fuel economy transmission oil like Fluidmatic LV MV. 

To learn how we helped improve the fuel economy of McArdle Skeath’s fleet using TotalEnergies fuel economy lubricants, please click here or call us at +353 (0)1 5827112.