In business, cutting down costs is critical in the efficient management of your operations. If managing a fleet of vehicles is part of your business, one of the more common ways of saving is to maximize fuel mileage. We’ve listed five strategies that you can employ to improve the fuel economy of your work trucks.

Maintain optimal tire pressure

One major contributor that can affect your mileage per litre is the volume of air in your tires. It is critical that the pressure you put in meets the manufacturer’s recommended specifications because too little pressure can result in a rolling drag that causes the engine to consume more fuel. Tires typically lose 1 psi per month for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Use a reliable tire gauge and measure the pressure at least once a month. Be sure to check the owner’s manual or the data plate on the driver’s door jamb for the right information.

Check the air filter

All vehicles require the right combination of fuel and air for proper combustion to propel the car or truck. If there is less air going into the engine, then more fuel is burned reducing mileage. It only takes a simple removal and visual examination of the air filter to determine if it is due for a change. If you bring it up to the light and can’t see through it, then it should be replaced. There are disposable and permanent filters available. Disposable filters are usually made of paper and can be disposed of once they become dirty. Permanent filters will only require a cleanup and can be reused repeatedly.

Use the right fuel

Certain engines work best when using fuel that is was designed for by the manufacturer. Some fuels burn faster than others because they were designed for high performance engines while other fuels were made for more fuel-efficient cars. Check the owner’s manual for the optimum octane rating that the engine was meant to handle and purchase from reputable gas or diesel companies.

Accelerate and drive slower

It is proven that driving slower can extend the range of your vehicle. It is also recommended to shift early (for manual transmissions) as this can save more gas. Lower engine revolutions consume far less gas than higher revs so shifting early and often will increase your fuel mileage. Use cruise control if available to maintain a steady speed on the highway so that fuel will be consumed at a slower rate.

Reduce aerodynamic drag

Like the principle of tire pressure to reduce rolling drag, lowering the aerodynamic drag will make the car or truck slice through the air more efficiently while moving. Accessories like bed covers for pick-ups or wind deflectors for semis can dramatically reduce drag by regulating the air flow around the vehicle which lessens the strain on the engine.