Top 10 fuel efficiency tips for HGVs

1. Regular maintenance

Keeping your truck in tip-top condition is crucial for ensuring peak operational efficiency.

Here at Dawsondirect, every vehicle we sell is serviced and maintained to the highest standards.

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently, uses less fuel, and is less likely to break down.

You should make sure you regularly:

• Undertake oil changes.
• Check and replace air filters.
• Inspect and maintain the fuel system.
• Service the engine.

2. Optimising route planning

Efficient route planning can significantly reduce fuel consumption, so use GPS and route optimisation software with real-time traffic data to find the best route.

Consider:

• Planning for off-peak travel times.
• Avoiding routes with frequent stops, high congestion, steep inclines, and meandering rural roads.
• Planning your refuelling stops.

3. Driver training

Techniques, such as smooth acceleration, maintaining a steady speed, and anticipating traffic flow, can reduce fuel consumption.

It might be worthwhile investing in additional refresher training for your drivers on fuel-efficient driving techniques such as:

• Avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.
• Using cruise control where appropriate.
• Minimising idling time.
• Stop avoidance – having stopped, a truck uses significantly more fuel to get it moving again.
• Changing gears efficiently and driving in the highest possible gear for the speed.
• Limiting the use of air-conditioning as the conversion of warm outside air to cool air inside consumes fuel.

To help you operate your vehicles as fuel-efficient as possible, we offer our Driver Training + programme free of charge for any vehicle acquired from us.

4. Aerodynamic enhancements

Improving the aerodynamics of an HGV can reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

A vehicle can be streamlined, and its fuel consumption reduced, by adding features such as:

• Roof-mounted deflectors.
• Side skirts to cover the gap between wheels.
• Rear tail fairings

5. Load management

Poor load management can increase fuel consumption and cause additional wear and tear on the vehicle.

Make sure you:

• Distribute your load evenly.
• Avoid overloading.
• Secure the load properly to prevent shifting.
• Use smaller trucks for smaller loads.

6. Utilising telematics

Telematics systems provide real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and fuel usage.

By analysing this data, you can identify areas for improvement and go about enhancing your fuel efficiency.

The benefits of telematics also include monitoring driver performance and tracking fuel consumption patterns.

7. Tyre management

Tyres play a crucial role in fuel efficiency.

Make sure you:

• Use the right type of tyre for your particular vehicle.
• Regularly check your tyres for any faults.
• Maintain your tyres at the correct pressure – under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption.
• Rotate tyres as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Consider using fuel-efficient or low-rolling resistance tyres.
• Check that your tyre and wheel alignment are correct.

8. Speed management

Maintaining an optimal, constant speed can enhance fuel efficiency.

High speeds lead to increased air resistance and push up your fuel consumption.

Familiarise your drivers on the benefits of driving within the optimal speed range, and how to:

• Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed, especially on motorways and flat roads.
• Avoid speeding.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended speeds.
• Avoid slowing down and speeding up as your vehicle will use more fuel than necessary.

9. Fuel quality

Ensure that the fuel you use meets the necessary standards and is free from contaminants:

• Purchase fuel from reputable suppliers.
• Regularly check fuel filters.
• Use high-quality fuel and avoid lower-grade versions.

10. Reduce idling

Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, so reducing idling can cut unnecessary fuel wastage:

• Turn off the engine during long stops.
• Use auxiliary power units (APUs) for heating and cooling.
• Educate drivers about the cost of idling.

Conclusion

By following our top 10 fuel efficiency tips for HGVs, you can reduce your fuel consumption, lower your operating costs, improve your bottom line, reduce carbon emissions, and combat climate change.

Jack Lagdon, Sales Executive, Dawsondirect