Tips to Improve Mileage of Your Old Truck Fleet

The trucking industry in India plays a vital role in the country's economy. The truck industry is a backbone for commerce and development. One of its main advantages is the ability to reach even the most remote areas, making it essential for completing every stage of the supply chain. To ensure smooth and efficient operations, truck companies must maintain a fleet that is always in optimal condition, offering the flexibility and agility needed to meet client demands. 

While the speed of transportation is vital, efficiency is equally important, especially in terms of mileage. Many businesses rely on older trucks for operations, and it’s essential to find ways to maximize their fuel efficiency. If you're wondering how to get the best mileage from your old trucks, here are best tips to improve mileage of your truck. 

Also Read: Winter Truck Lubrication: 7 Simple Tips for Smooth Performance

Tips to Improve Mileage of Your Old Truck 

Managing an old truck fleet can be challenging. Over time, trucks start to lose their peak performance, and maintaining fuel efficiency becomes harder. However, with the right strategies, you can still improve the mileage of your old trucks, reduce operating costs, and extend its lifespan. Here are the Tips to Improve the Mileage of Your Old Truck Fleet:

Maintenance of Tyres

The condition of your truck’s tyres directly impacts fuel efficiency. To get the best mileage, make sure your tyres are in good condition. Start by maintaining the recommended tyre pressure, as both over-inflation and under-inflation can harm mileage. 

Over-inflated tyres can cause uneven wear and reduce traction, leading to higher fuel consumption. On the other hand, under-inflated tyres create more friction with the road, causing the engine to work harder. Keeping tyres properly inflated ensures better fuel economy and extends their lifespan. 

Maintain a Constant Speed 

One of the simplest ways to improve mileage is to avoid fluctuating speeds. Constant acceleration, braking, and shifting gears all lead to increased fuel consumption. 

Maintaining a steady speed, especially on highways, can significantly boost mileage of your truck. If your truck is equipped with cruise control, use it to keep the vehicle moving at a consistent speed, typically around 80 km/h on highways. It will also improve safety by reducing the chances of speeding. 

Reduce Engine Idling Time 

Idling for long periods is a common factor for poor fuel efficiency. Leaving the engine running at traffic signals or during long stops burns fuel unnecessarily. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the engine does not consume more fuel than leaving it running. 

Modern vehicles, including many trucks, are equipped with fuel-efficient fuel injection systems that don’t waste fuel during restarts. In fact, many trucks now feature a start/stop system that automatically cuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when necessary, saving fuel. As a fleet owner, using telematics systems can help track and minimize idle time. 

Avoid Overloading 

Overloading trucks in India is one of the most detrimental factors for fuel efficiency. Each vehicle has a specified weight limit, and exceeding it puts additional strain on the engine, reducing its efficiency and causing premature wear and tear. 

Moreover, overloading compromises safety and stability, increasing the risk of accidents. Ensuring that the truck carries only the recommended load will prevent unnecessary fuel consumption and increase the life of your old truck. 

Consider Retrofitting Technology 

If you’re not ready to purchase new trucks, retrofitting existing ones with modern technology can improve their fuel efficiency. This involves installing newer, more efficient components to optimize truck performance. Technologies to retrofit are mentioned below:

Fuel Economy Modules: These modules adjust fuel injectors, exhaust systems, and the air intake system to improve fuel efficiency. 

Telematics and GPS Integration: As mentioned earlier, integrating telematics and GPS systems into older trucks can optimize route planning and driving habits, helping improve mileage. 

Idle Reduction Systems: These systems will reduce the amount of time trucks spend idling, which can save significant amounts of fuel over time.

Use High-Quality Fuel and Engine Oil 

For your old truck to function optimally, it requires the best fuel and engine oil. Some drivers opt for low-quality fuel to save money, but this can cause long-term damage to the engine, reducing its efficiency and performance. For diesel trucks, always ensure you are using high-quality fuel from trusted suppliers. 

Contaminated or low-quality fuel will cause problems in your engine and reduce fuel economy. Always use the fuel and engine oil recommended by the manufacturer. Regular preventive maintenance, including checking fluids and replacing filters, ensures your truck continues to perform best, boosting mileage and reducing repair costs. 

Turn off the engine

If you want to make your truck more fuel efficient, stick to the simple start-stop rule when stopped in traffic or waiting for a green light. According to studies, around 0.098 liters of fuel are wasted for every 10 minutes that the vehicle remains immobile. 

As a rule of thumb, if the wait time exceeds 10 seconds, turn off the truck's engine. It is also advisable to turn off the air conditioner, especially when driving at moderate speeds or when the carrier is idling, as it reduces fuel economy. So, make careful to turn off or use your air conditioner sparingly.

Upgrade the Truck’s Parts 

Upgrading your truck's parts can help save fuel, especially if you’re using an older model. Start with the tyres. Switching to fuel-efficient tyres with low rolling resistance can reduce friction and improve fuel economy. 

Next, check the engine. Over time, parts like spark plugs and fuel injectors can wear out, making the engine less efficient. A proper engine tune-up can help the engine run better and use less fuel. 

Another simple upgrade is aerodynamic modifications. Adding small changes like side skirts or a roof fairing can reduce drag, allowing the truck to cut through the air more easily and save fuel. 

These upgrades are simple but can make a big difference in the amount of fuel your truck uses.. By making these changes, you’ll get better mileage, reduce costs, and improve the overall performance of your truck. It’s a smart move for both the environment and your wallet.

Maintain the Correct Gear

Maintaining the correct gear use is crucial for improving fuel efficiency in your old truck fleet. Shifting to the right gear at the right time can cut down fuel consumption drastically. 

Drivers should be encouraged to shift gears as high as possible, considering that lower gears tend to burn more fuel. On the other hand, driving in a gear that’s too high for the speed or load can also be inefficient, as the engine may struggle to maintain power, wasting fuel. It’s important to ensure that trucks will be driven at the proper gear-to-speed ratio for optimal performance.

Also Read: Nighttime Driving Tips For Truck Drivers

CMV360 Says

Maintaining old trucks can be tough, but improving mileage is possible with simple steps. Keep tyres properly inflated and avoid overloading. Reduce idling time to save fuel. Upgrading parts or adding new tech can also help. These changes will save fuel and extend the life of your old trucks. It's all about keeping things simple and cost-effective.