7 Ways To Make An Old Truck More Fuel-Efficient

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7 ways to make an old truck more fuel-efficient.

• Globe Trucking

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The trucking industry in India can easily be
acclaimed as the lifeline of commerce and
economic development.

The biggest advantages of this industry, which
uses the road as the mode of transportation, is
its ability to connect to the remotest areas that
assure completion of the first to last-mile
operations.

Thus, to ensure smooth operation, flexibility and
agility to meet the need of clients, it becomes
essential for truck companies to have a fleet
that is in prime condition.


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Lets look at 7 ways to make an old truck more
fuel-efficient for a smoother and long-lasting
drive
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1. Monitor the tires
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A straightforward way to improve the fuel
efficiency of the existing and new line of trucks
is by purchasing the right tires and keeping them
in good condition. Thus, inflating them as per
manufacturers service manual is vital. This will
not only lead to better fuel consumption but also
result in better longevity, performance, and
safety.

A vehicle with under-inflated tires consumes more
petrol whereas that with over-inflated tires are
a safety risk due to potential blowouts and
premature wearing of the rubber.

As per data, tires can affect fuel efficiency by
up to 10, so maintain proper pressure and check
it often. Also, avoid buying bigger casings as
they might look great but reduce fuel economy.
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2. Keep the speed steady
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To improve the mileage especially ofthe old
trucks, the drivers should try to maintain a
steady speed as much as possible. The continuous
movement of the accelerator and brakes reduces
the fuel economy and high-speed burns a lot of
fuel.

For instance, on an average, a truck travelling
at a speed of 75 mph or 121 km/h consumes 27
more petrol as compared to it being driven at 65
mph or 105 km/h, according to research. The pace
of the truck can be controlled smoothly if the
driver is mindful of the speedometer.

Another way is to refer to the guidebook for
example, BharatBenz service manual mentions the
ideal speed limit the trucker should follow for
better fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Alternative, using the cruise control feature,
available in some models, is also a great way to
maintain a uniform velocity.
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3. Cut down on idling
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Idling or leaving the engine running when parked
is one of the biggest fuel guzzlers of a
heavy-duty vehicle. Hence, for fleet supervisors,
one of the biggest challenges is to encourage
truck drivers to reduce the amount of idling.

This particular change can facilitate cost-saving
by lowering the amount of unnecessary fuel
consumed, as well as minimizing the number of
harmful emissions and engine wear-and-tear that
may lead to extra maintenance.

Furthermore, they can also install a real-time
alerting system that can help to detect
unproductive idling time.

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4. Lighten the load
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Every truck has a loading capacity, and it is
essential to adhere to it. Overloading leads to a
decrease in the fuel economy by one to two per
cent and also results in burning out the
machinery, which will indirectly impact the
mileage.

For an older truck to work longer and
efficiently, it is advisable to remove unwanted
weight and lighten up the capacity to increase
the consumption of fuel.

Must Read 8 Common Checks That Are Overlooked
During An Inspection Of A Long Haul Trip
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5. Use good quality fuel and ensure regular
maintenance
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To save money, fleet managers and drivers
sometimes opt for a cheaper and less potent
version of the petrol or diesel which directly
affects the engine and other components of the
truck. Hence, it is highly recommended to read
the service manual for proper instructions and
getting the tank refilled from a reliable fuel
station. This will ensure the system is clean and
powerful.

Also, before commencing the trip, the fleet
managers should maintain an appropriate servicing
schedule for both new and old trucks. Where the
relatively newer ones will require, mostly
necessary checks like filters, engine oil,
brakes, wheels and rims, etc., the older
heavy-duty vehicles will additionally need proper
oiling and repair, as per the condition before
setting on its journey.
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Moreover, for a thorough check and servicing, the
company should only opt to send the carriers to
renowned companies like BharatBenz service
stations who will survey all aspects of the
truck. This will improve fuel economy and also
extendthe life of the vehicle.
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6. Turn off the engine when not required
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If you want to make your vehicle fuel-efficient,
then follow the basic rule of start-stop when
stuck in heavy traffic or when waiting for the
signal to turn green. According to studies,
around 0.098 litres of fuel is wasted for every
10 minutes of the vehicle staying stationary.

Therefore, as a thumb rule, turn off the engine
of the truck if the wait time is over 10 seconds.
It is also recommended to switch off the
air-conditioner, especially if driving at low
speeds or when the carrier is idle as it affects
the fuel economy. So, ensure to turn off or use
the air conditioner sparingly.

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7. Park in the shade
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This practice should particularly be followed in
the summer months when the temperatures peak up
and make the interiors of the vehicle hot and
stuffy. Thus, park the truck in the shade as it
will minimize evaporation of fuel and will also
keep your vehicle cooler.


Furthermore, this method will limit the air
conditioner to run on full blast, which leads to
draining power from the engine.


So, increase the life of your trucks by following
these fundamental tips that can improve
fuel-efficiency and prolong the life of an old
truck. Do let us know your experience while
following these tips and feel free to share more
suggestions in the comments below.
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• www.globetruckingpunjab.com