October 5, 2022

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

Heavy-duty trucks play a vital role in our economy, but they also have a significant environmental footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounts for nearly one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Trucking specifically is responsible for 20 percent of those emissions.

There are many ways to make heavy-duty trucks more efficient and reduce their emissions. Here are seven steps that trucking fleets can take to maximize efficiency and reduce their environmental impact:

1. Use Aerodynamic Devices

Every truck has aerodynamic drag, which is the resistance created as the truck moves through the air. The larger the truck, the more drag it has. Adding fairings, side skirts, and other aerodynamic devices can help reduce drag and improve fuel economy by up to 15 percent. In addition, aerodynamics also helps keep the truck cooler, as combatting the effects of aerodynamic drag can put a lot of strain on heavy-duty engines. This lengthens your engine's lifespan, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and saves you a lot of money. To make things even better, aerodynamic devices will also increase the handling of your heavy-duty vehicle at high speeds. 

2. Reduce Idling and Strengthen Driving Habits

Idling wastes fuel and emits harmful pollutants into the air. When a truck is idling, it’s getting zero miles per gallon. Fleets can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by implementing no-idle policies or installing auxiliary power units. 

Fleets can also implement speed limiters, which help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions as engines have to work harder at high speeds. Truck drivers themselves also play a crucial role in saving fuel. They can do this by planning their routes ahead of time, avoiding traffic congestion, and keeping their vehicles well-maintained. Drivers should also avoid hard accelerations and brake smoothly to conserve fuel.

3. Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy by up to 15 percent. They also wear out more quickly, which means more frequent and expensive replacements. Truckers should check their tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI at all times. 

Are adequately inflated tires not doing a good enough job? Have you heard of low-rolling resistance tires? They can improve fuel economy by up to five percent. These tires are designed to reduce energy loss as the tire rolls. They’re more expensive than standard tires, but they can pay for themselves over time in fuel savings.

4. Use Fuel-Efficient Driving Techniques

Fuel-efficient driving techniques can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 35 percent. These include accelerating at a steady and careful rate, conservatively engine braking, keeping your engine’s RPMs under control, idling as little as possible, and avoiding high-speed maneuvers. Implementing these tips can help improve the fuel efficiency of your heavy-duty truck and save you money on fuel. 

5. Ensuring Your EGR System is Properly Functioning

Your EGR system is responsible for limiting the number of nitrogen oxides produced by your engine. Although this system is very effective, it can malfunction if not properly maintained. Over time, due to carbon build-up, your EGR valve may stick open. This valve is responsible for controlling the flow of exhaust gasses. If this flow isn’t regulated, emissions increase, and your engine has to compensate. This compensation causes your engine to heat up, furthering emissions output. 

6. Replace Fuel Filters

Your fuel filters are responsible for removing impurities from your diesel fuel. If these filters get clogged, your fuel injectors may malfunction. This causes your engine to work extremely hard to compensate and, as such, increases emissions output. Fuel filters should be changed every time you change your oil. Most diesel engines have two fuel filters, so be sure to replace them both. 

7. Regular maintenance

Performing regular maintenance on your heavy-duty truck can improve fuel economy by up to four percent. Regularly checking and replacing air filters, glow plugs, fuel filters, and other engine components can help keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Outside of engine maintenance, maintaining your tires, brakes, and suspension are always great ways to make your truck more efficient. Take your suspension as an example. If it isn’t aligned correctly, you may be putting a lot of stress on your drivetrain, which in turn causes your truck to emit more emissions. 

What are the benefits of maximizing truck efficiency and reducing emissions?

For trucking companies, there are many benefits to maximizing a truck’s efficiency and minimizing its environmental impact. These benefits include reduced fuel costs, enhanced driver productivity, and a smaller ecological footprint. 

Trucking companies that adopt strategies to improve fuel economy will save a significant amount of money on fuel. The cost of diesel fuel is a significant expense for trucking companies, so even minor improvements in fuel economy can have a big impact on the bottom line.

There are many ways to improve the fuel economy of heavy-duty trucks. Some of these methods are simple and easy to implement, while others require more investment. But no matter what method you choose, improving the fuel economy of your heavy-duty trucks can lead to significant savings for your business. So, if you’re looking for ways to save money and improve your bottom line, consider implementing some of these fuel-saving tips for your heavy-duty trucks.

Similar posts

RV alignment service in Dayton, Ohio

Why Proper RV Alignment Is Crucial: The Benefits Of Professional Services

Discover why professional RV alignment services are crucial for your vehicle's well-being. Learn about the benefits of proper RV alignment at The Service Company in Dayton, Ohio.

Truck axel repair in repair shop

Common Issues With 18-Wheeler Axles And How To Diagnose And Repair Them

Explore common issues with 18-wheeler axles and learn how to diagnose and repair them for optimal heavy-duty truck performance. Discover the anatomy of an axle, symptoms of axle failure, diagnostic methods, and common repair solutions. Trust The Service Company for expert axle repairs in Dayton, Greenville, and Covington, Ohio.

Heavy-duty truck repair in repair shop

Top 6 Heavy-Duty Truck Fleet Management Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Discover the top 6 mistakes in heavy-duty truck fleet management and how to avoid them. Learn how GPS tracking tools can help prevent maintenance lapses, improve routing, discourage risky driving, understand driver behavior, lower fuel costs, and prevent after-hours usage, ensuring better financial health for your business.

How to Prepare Your Diesel Truck For Cold Weather

How to Prepare Your Diesel Truck For Cold Weather

Prepare your diesel truck for winter challenges. Our guide helps you safeguard your vehicle in cold weather.

Preventive maintenance of AC in repair shop

The Benefits Of Preventative Maintenance For Medium-Duty Truck AC Systems

Discover the advantages of preventative maintenance for medium-duty truck AC systems. Learn how The Service Company's expert approach in Dayton, Greenville, Covington, and beyond can enhance AC performance, prevent downtime, and save costs.

Medium-Duty Truck Fleet Maintenance Shop in Dayton, Ohio

How To Choose A Medium-Duty Truck Fleet Maintenance Shop in Dayton, Ohio

We understand the challenges of managing a medium-duty truck fleet. Based in Dayton, Ohio, our experienced team shares insights on choosing a maintenance shop for medium-duty fleets.

Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop

Finding A Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop That’s Right For You

When your business depends on a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, choosing the right repair shop is essential. Find one that understands your vehicles, is reliable, and provides excellent service. Here are key questions to ask and why The Service Company in Greenville, Ohio is a perfect fit.

Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

The Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

For reliable cylinder head counterboring services, contact The Service Company. We specialize in resolving liner protrusion and damaged block issues. Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.

Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

The Benefits Of Using A Professional Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

Discover the benefits of hiring a professional for repairing your heavy-duty trailer chassis. Learn how worn chassis parts can impact truck performance and how professional mechanics can use specialized techniques to restore them. Ensure your truck is brought back to its original functionality through proper repairs. Read on to understand the advantages of entrusting your heavy-duty trailer chassis repairs to experts.

Peterbilt Model 579

The Peterbilt Model 579 - Is It The New Benchmark For 2022?

Peterbilt's new Model 579 truck has undergone a significant redesign, incorporating driver and fleet feedback. It features a sleek, aerodynamic front end, improved rear-view mirrors, and enhanced comfort and productivity elements inside the cab. The truck's fuel efficiency has been boosted up to 7% with new aerodynamic features. The Model 579 is a significant improvement from its predecessors and represents a major step forward for Peterbilt.

18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Common Issues That Can Be Identified Through 18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Preventive maintenance is the key to recognizing potential problems before they can cause disruption and minimizing fleet downtime. As the majority of overland freight in this country relies on timely departures and deliveries, truck drivers and fleet managers need to ensure their vehicles stay on the road.

Heavy Duty Trucks Maintenance in Winters

7 Preventive Maintenance Tips For Winters - Heavy Duty Trucks

Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your fleet on the road throughout the year. Spotting and resolving problems early helps minimize associated costs and downtime for your fleet. Here are our top tips for efficient winter maintenance for heavy-duty trucks. 

Truck Engine Overhaul

5 Signs That You Need To Overhaul Your Truck Engine

Using an older truck is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it does mean that you need to look out for signs indicating a need for maintenance. Engine problems are among the biggest potential issues heavy-duty truckers could be facing. To spot potential issues early, look out for these five signs that may indicate your engine needs an overhaul. 

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

The suspension system in a Peterbilt truck increases tire-road contact friction, increases passenger comfort, and provides steering stability. If your suspension is worn or damaged, you may notice the following signs and symptoms. 

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

Semi-truck models come in a wide variety of features tailored to various applications. But the most important aspects of a truck, whether you are making a short or long trip, are its durability and torque.

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Today we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about your truck’s coolant system, including its anatomy, how it all works, and what symptoms to look out for should it start to malfunction. 

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

In this blog post, we will discuss six common indicators that your heavy-duty truck needs a wheel alignment. Keep reading to learn more!

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

It’s important for fleet managers and drivers to be able to identify wear and tear when it happens. Catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run, and for those who push the boundaries of their preventive maintenance regimen, that know-how is a necessity. Let's examine some of the most typical Kenworth repairs that fleet managers encounter. 

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

There are many ways to make heavy-duty trucks more efficient and reduce their emissions. Here are seven steps that trucking fleets can take to maximize efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

There are several ways in which you can actually improve your truck’s performance as well, rather than maintain its factory power output. Here are seven excellent suggestions to help you enhance and even maximize the performance of your heavy-duty diesel truck. 

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

Through a combination of preventive maintenance and careful inspection, you can ensure your Freightliner truck continues to run at peak performance and efficiency for years to come. To help you undergo this process, we’ve put together a series of steps that if followed, will prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money. 

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR heavy-duty trucks come along with superior transmission technologies. When you are about to get one of the PACCAR heavy-duty trucks, it is better to have a basic understanding of those transmission options.

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

You often rely on your heavy-duty truck to travel hundreds of miles every day, and because of this, it’s important to ensure that your wheels are properly balanced. If you don't, you may face unpleasant repercussions. Finding the right diesel repair shop to perform wheel balancing can sometimes prove to be difficult. We've put together a list of 4 things to consider while looking for a wheel balancing service provider.

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

There are few engines as capable or as fuel-efficient as the Paccar MX 13 turbo engine. Designed specifically for the needs of truckers, this engine is ideal for transporting large loads over long distances.