Top 10 fuel efficiency tips for HGVs

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

Continue reading for more top tips from Jack Langdon