10 Ways to Maximize Fuel Efficiency on Older Trucks
Managing entire fleets of trucks can get expensive. Reducing vehicle-related costs can go a long way for the success of the company. The best way is to make your trucks run longer more efficiently. Preventative maintenance has been shown to make vehicles more efficient, but that can only go so far. Sometimes, you have to think outside the box. Adding modifications to your fleet of trucks can help them run smoother and more efficiently.
The Modifications
- Overcompensate on oil changes
Overcompensating gives you leeway, so if you miss regular oil changes by a month or two it won’t affect the vehicle. Use synthetic motor oil for longer lubricating.
- Upgrade to a high-flow exhaust system and air filter
A new high-flow exhaust system allows the motor to breathe and run more efficiently. Some high-flow replacement filters maintain air flow even when dirty, lasting for very long periods of time.
- Monitor your spark plugs
Spark plugs tell us how the internal combustion engine is running. Discolored spark plugs can indicate that the motor is running rich or lean.
- Buy the right tires and check tire pressure often
While tires cost more upfront, having differing sets reduces wear and increases driver safety. In addition, proper tire pressure optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces tire wear.
- Add helper springs
Bad suspensions put unneeded pressure on tires, creating more friction and forcing the truck to work harder. Installing auxiliary metal springs or air springs adds more payload capacity and improving fuel economy.
- Firm up the shifts and check the gear ratio
By reducing the amount of time shifting, you increase the amount of time for the fuel to move the truck instead of shifting gears. This modification improves overall system movement efficiency.
- Eliminate unneeded aftermarket accessories
Unneeded accessories only add additional weight and also affect aerodynamics. This makes a significant difference in fuel economy.
- Add an oil catch can
Adding an oil catch can will keep the upper intake clean and promotes a cleaner burn. The result is a more efficient explosion.
- Upgrade the electrical grounds
This preventative maintenance modification is quick and easy. It ensures that all the electrical sensors are communicating properly with the truck’s computer system.
- Consider a fuel injection cleaner
Fuel injection cleaners can go a long way in maintaining efficiency. The Lucas or Chevron Techron brands are highly recommended.
Today the price of fuel continues to increase, leaving fleet managers to make their trucks more fuel efficient to stay afloat. Lucky, modifications such as a high-flow exhaust system and air filter, addition of helper springs, electrical grounds upgrades shifts and gear ratio improvement can make your trucks run more efficiently longer. They are added costs. But think of them as investments that can ultimately make you more profitable.
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