Depending on your driving habits, you may have to take a couple of steps to reduce the cost per gallon of your vehicle. Some of the steps you can take include driving more slowly, making small changes to your driving and vehicle maintenance, and switching to onsite fueling.
Increase gas mileage
Boosting your fuel economy can help you save money, as well as reduce your environmental impact. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drivers can increase gas mileage by between 7 and 14 percent.
The fastest way to increase fuel economy is to drive at speeds below 50 mph. Fuel economy decreases dramatically at higher speeds.
Driving at a faster speed increases aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel economy. A speed of 105 kilometers per hour increases drag by 36 percent. Speeds over 50 mph also negatively affect fuel economy.
Using cruise control and following the speed limit are two important ways to increase gas mileage. A speed of 90 kilometers per hour is ideal.
Using a telematics system can help you plan the most efficient route, as well as alert you when vehicles are due for maintenance. A GPS can also help you find fuel-efficient routes.
Drive more slowly
Trying to reduce cost per gallon by driving more slowly might not sound like fun, but it can be a useful way to conserve fuel. Speeding burns more gas and also creates more carbon emissions, which contributes to global warming. A study by Edmunds.com found that drivers who slow down and ride the speed limit save more than a third of a gallon of gas a month.
The EPA claims that a slower speed burns fewer gallons of fuel than a fast-moving car. A slower car also requires less acceleration. This is especially true of drivers who drive in slow-moving traffic. A vehicle’s fuel efficiency depends in part on its aerodynamics, but also on its pressure on the gas pedal.
The best gas-saving trick is to slow down and drive in the right lane. You should also pay attention to your surroundings and predict where you are going. This will stretch your gas a little more than cruise control, which does not account for the way the road changes around you.
Avoid high-speed driving
Getting the most out of your gasoline dollar isn’t just about driving wisely, but also about ensuring safety on the road. In fact, driving too fast is a bad idea. While there’s no such thing as a foolproof way to ensure safety while driving, it’s possible to mitigate risk.
The most obvious way to achieve this is to adhere to speed limits. For example, if you’re on the freeway, avoid speeding when possible. In fact, AAA recommends highway speeds be kept at about 50 mph. The same goes for city streets. When possible, avoid running red lights or driving in rush hour. If you must commute in traffic, take breaks during peak traffic times. If you’re driving a medium or heavy duty vehicle, keep in mind that higher speeds can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 30%.
Switch to onsite fueling
Using on-site fueling stations can be an effective way to reduce the cost of fueling for your fleet. However, there are many factors to consider before you make a decision. The cost to buy, install, and maintain an on-site fueling station can be significant, so you should weigh your options carefully.
Whether you’re using gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuels, on-site fueling can be an effective way to reduce the cost per gallon for your fleet. However, you should also consider the time it takes to fill your vehicles and how much fuel you use annually. You may be able to save money by purchasing fuel in bulk. You can also reduce the cost of on-site fueling by installing a time-fill station, which fills your vehicles overnight.