10 Tips To Save Fuel On Diesel

Most heavy equipment such as tractors, excavators, loaders, loaders or some other vehicles rely on diesel engines and fuel. With diesel fuel prices keep on a rise, now more than ever you should learn and try a few basic steps you can take to save fuel and money. MyMRO offers the following 10 tips for diesel vehicle owners, truckers, as well as heavy equipment owners and operators to reduce fuel consumption:

1. Turn off the engine

Idling will burn about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer size truck, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So avoid idling to help save fuel.

2. Invest in an auxiliary power unit.

Use an auxiliary power unit for climate control and electronic devices. These have a high initial investment cost but generally only burn between 0.2 and 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour, according to the fact sheet. This is a marked decrease from the 0.8 gallons used with an idling engine.

3. Optimize the drive.

Cruise control optimizes engine and travel speed based on the load operators are transporting, and can lead to a boost in fuel efficiency. Also, while driving, it's best to operate the vehicle in the highest possible gear. This reduces engine rpm and fuel consumption.

4. Avoid revving your engine.

Get to your next gear slowly rather than as quickly as possible. It might be a little less fun, but it’s also a lot lighter on the wallet.

5. Anticipate upcoming traffic lights.

Avoiding a complete stop can help to save fuel. If you can see the light is going to turn green and you can safely just slow down enough without stopping, you’ll use less fuel.

6. Manage tire pressure.

Maintaining proper tire pressure can help with fuel economy as well as extending the life of the tire, according to the Diesel Technology Forum. For every 10 psi a tire is inflated below recommended fill, vehicles lose 1% of their fuel economy.

7. Use your air conditioner as sparingly as possible.

Running the air uses fuel. So use air conditioner as less as possible can help you save fuel on diesel.

8. Avoid unnecessary resistance

Don’t leave your roof bars and roof box on because they create wind resistance and cause your vehicle to use more fuel through the ‘drag’ effect. The faster you drive, the more fuel it use. Driving with an open window also has a similar effect.

9. Lighten the load

While this isn’t going to make the biggest difference to your mpg figures, but it stands to reason that the heavier a vehicle is, the more fuel it will use. For that reason, don’t keep unnecessary items in your boot as they all add weight to your vehicle, which is not going to help your fuel economy in the long run.

10. Perform regular maintenance.

Performing preventive maintenance such as oil and air filter changes on the suggested schedule can help with fuel efficiency as well.