Winter season is challenging for most truck drivers but would you like to know how you can save fuel during this period? It is during this time that fuel efficiency drops drastically. The drop-in fuel efficiency is a result of temperature decreases. Gasoline-powered trucks experience a 12% drop in gas mileage whenever the temperatures drop to 20 degrees.
Here are some of the reasons that you may want to save fuel in winter.
- After ignition, the engine will need more time to reach its optimal-efficient temperature.
- The reduced tire pressure during winter reduces the traction of your tires, and this increases road resistance which leads to an increase in fuel consumption.
- The gasoline at the filling station during winter provides less power per gallon compared to regular gasoline.
- The cold air causes drag at higher speeds, referred to as aerodynamics, affecting your truck’s fuel efficiency.
- During winter, you will rely on heated seats and a defroster. These two features draw much power from the engine, thus interfering with your truck’s fuel efficiency.
Despite all these reasons for the drop in fuel efficiency during winter, there are several practices you can adopt as a driver to save fuel for your truck. Here are some tips worth putting into consideration.
Combine All Your Trips Rather Than Taking Several Trips In a Day
During winter, the engine takes time to reach its fuel-efficient temperature. If you have several errands to run, your engine will use much fuel to heat up during stops. Consider combining these trips to reduce the stops and unnecessary wastage of fuel.
Check Your Tires
The correct tire pressure during winter can help save fuel. Always use a gauge check to ensure you have the right tire pressure and tread depth for maximum traction. Always fill up your tires with the recommended pressure to boost fuel efficiency.
Reduce The Features That Reduces Air Resistance
If your truck has a rack, it is of great importance during summer, it can be one of the causes of a drop in fuel efficiency during winter. A large rooftop cargo box can reduce your fuel economy by 2 – 8%, depending on its size. Consider removing your rack and rooftop cargo box during winter to increase fuel efficiency.
Reduce Your Idling
If you love starting your truck and letting the engine run for 10 minutes before leaving, drop this habit during winter if you want the best fuel efficiency. Most drivers understand that the engine warms up when idling. It sounds true, but most truck manufacturers say it is not necessary. Instead, start your engine, and within 30 seconds, it shall have gained the optimal operational temperature.
Check the Type of Engine Oil
Your engine will need different motor oil when the season changes. During winter, consider using engine oil the best engine oil that will not become thick. Synthetic motor oil is the best during the extreme winter season. Synthetic engine oil will protect your truck from a cold start and increase fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
During winter, the cost of running and maintenance usually go up. The amount you will spend at the filling will also skyrocket. The increase in fuel consumption rate is due to weather changes that make your engine demand more to perform. But you can save fuel by putting into consideration the above practices.