Top 20 Ways for Truck Drivers to Improve Fuel Efficiency
Improving your fuel efficiency by just 1 MPG can lead to significant savings—over $10,000 per year! For truck drivers and fleet operators, these savings add up fast, especially with rising fuel costs.
Lucky for you, there are many straightforward and effective methods to increase your truck’s fuel efficiency, from minor adjustments in driving habits to routine maintenance practices.
Here’s our list of the top 20 ways for truck drivers to improve fuel efficiency and get better fuel economy on the road.
#1 Maintain Speed Limit
This one may seem obvious but, going faster means you are going to burn more fuel. Every 1 MPH increase in speed results in a .14 MPG decrease in fuel economy. Driving at or just below the speed limit not only saves fuel but also reduces aerodynamic drag, giving better mpg.
#2 Avoid Unnecessary Items
The more weight that is in your truck, the more it has to work to move down the highway. Your truck already carries thousands of pounds, don’t make it carry any more than it has to. Removing excess weight from the truck can reduce the load, directly improving fuel consumption.
#3 Monitor Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires decrease your fuel economy. For every 1 PSI drop in pressure, your fuel mileage can be reduced by 0.3%. Keep tires properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.
#4 Mind the Gas Pedal (Right Foot)
Avoid flooring the gas pedal; accelerate gradually to save fuel. This is especially important in everyday driving. When you can, use your momentum. Your foot doesn’t always need to be on the gas pedal, burning fuel.
#5 Limit Use of the Air Conditioner
Every time you use your A/C, you are increasing fuel consumption by 0.2-0.4 miles per gallon, as it requires extra power from the engine, lowering gas mileage. Sometimes this can be unavoidable, but when you can, just crack the window!
#6 Invest in Aerodynamics
There are many add-ons you can purchase for your truck to improve aerodynamics, which leads to better fuel mileage. Four of the most common add-ons are tractor side fairings, deep-angled bumpers, bed covers, and trailer skirts.
#7 Use Cruise Control
Maintaining a steady speed on highways with cruise control can help save fuel, especially on long-mile trips. When you can, turn on cruise control to limit unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This can actually save you up to 6% in fuel consumption on the road.
#8 Take the Shortest Route
There are often many different ways to get to the same destination. Take the route that requires the least amount of driving in order to use the least amount of fuel. Typically, highway mileage is better than city mileage, so plan routes accordingly.
#9 Use the Lowest Fuel Cost Stations
An easy way to save money on fuel is to fill up at the lower-cost stations. Many trucking-specific GPS systems will plan your route for you to stop at the less expensive fuel stations along the way.
When you’re going out of your way to stop for fuel, you might as well use the restroom and purchase any items you need. This way you avoid going out of your way to stop again a few hours later.
#10 Drive Steadily
Keeping a steady speed is key to maximizing fuel efficiency. Aim to find the engine’s “sweet spot”—the optimal RPM range for efficiency. For most trucks, this range is around 1,250-1,350 RPM, where the engine runs smoothly without overworking or burning excess fuel.
Minimize idling as much as possible, as one hour of idling can consume nearly a gallon of fuel. Only idle when absolutely necessary.
Braking is a normal part of driving, but frequent braking can lower fuel efficiency. Each time you slow down, it takes more fuel to regain speed. By leaving more space between your truck and the vehicle ahead, you can reduce unnecessary braking and maintain a more consistent speed.
#11 Don’t Overfill the Tank
When fuel is heated, it can begin to expand. This means if you fill your tank to full capacity, the expanded fuel can cause the tank to overflow and waste fuel.
#12 Consider a Cold Air Intake
A cold air intake improves the engine’s performance and throttle response, which can contribute to better fuel mileage.
#13 Optimize Gear Usage (Manual Transmission)
Shift gears at the right time to prevent engine strain and save on fuel. Driving in the highest gear possible is a good way to help maximize fuel efficiency. Traveling at faster rates in low gears can consume 45% more fuel than is needed.
Higher gears at lower speeds are more fuel-efficient.
#14 Keep Load Height Low
The more evenly distributed the load is in the trailer, the less effort the truck will need to get moving. It’s good practice to keep the load as low and as level as possible.
#15 Check Vehicle Alignment
Another important factor in getting better gas mileage is to make sure your tires are pointed straight down the road. Even a tire that’s off by just ¼ degree can end up trying to travel 10-15 feet sideways for every mile driven, which impacts fuel efficiency.
Regular maintenance, as recommended in the owner’s manual, also keeps your truck operating at its best. This includes routine checks on spark plugs, the fuel pump, brakes, and other key components. When everything is tuned and aligned, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your truck’s MPG.
#16 Inspect the Fan
Your engine fan will typically run 5-7% of the time the engine is on but will run much more frequently if there is a problem with it. This affects fuel efficiency because the more the fan runs, the more horsepower the truck uses.
#17 Check Battery Cables
Check and clean your battery cables any time you are getting an engine check-up. If your battery cables are corroded, it causes the alternator to work harder.
#18 Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly
A clean air filter allows for better airflow into the engine, leading to more efficient fuel combustion and noticeable differences in fuel consumption.
#19 Use Larger Tires Wisely
Bigger tires and changes in gear ratio can affect fuel mileage. If you’re upgrading, consider low-resistance tires to minimize the impact on fuel economy.
#20 Practice Fuel-Efficient Driving Habits
Lastly, one of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency is to make it a priority. Keep this list in mind and think about these things while you are on the road. Small changes in driving habits, like avoiding aggressive starts, maintaining steady speed, and coasting to slow down, can add 1-2 mpg over time.
Soon, you will be maximizing your fuel efficiency without even realizing it.
Get the Most Out of Every Gallon with Mercer Transportation
Improving fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money; it’s also about optimizing your truck’s performance. By incorporating even a few of these 20 tips into your driving routine, you’ll see noticeable improvements in your truck’s fuel economy and get more mileage out of each gallon!
At Mercer Transportation, we’re committed to helping truck drivers achieve their best on the road, from providing load opportunities to supporting practices that make a difference. With fuel efficiency in mind, every mile driven can be more productive and cost-effective.