Tow truck drivers understand that fuel is a variable cost that can quickly eat into their profit margins. And with the price of gas at its all-time high, towing companies need to be cautious with how they utilize their fuel.
As a tow truck driver, you can have some control over your vehicle’s fuel consumption with the help of a few simple recommendations.
In this article, we’ll discuss our top fuel saving tips that’ll actually make a difference in your bottom line! Let’s get started.
1. Idling
Engine idling is something that you simply cannot avoid. However, if you know that you have to stop for more than a few minutes, cutting the engine can be very beneficial in the long run.
2. Coast Down Inclines
Collect as much momentum as possible when you’re about to go down a steep hill. Ideally, you want to avoid putting your foot on the gas if possible. By using your vehicle’s momentum you can actually save quite a bit of gas since you aren’t accelerating quickly.
3. Avoid Speeding
Speeding burns through fuel quicker than you may think. Traveling over 55 mph can actually lower your fuel economy. So, to avoid drastic accelerations we advice increasing your following distance and maintaining a consistent speed. If you have a habit of speeding up quickly and slamming on your breaks then you’ll be having to fill up your tank more often.
4. Don’t Overfill Your Tank
Overfilling your tank can make your tow truck much heavier. It can also cause you to you waste more gas in the long run. The reason for this is the fuel will likely expand causing an overflow to occur.
5. Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Believe it or not, your tires can affect your fuel efficiency. In fact, you’ll consume ten percent more fuel if your tire in underinflated. So, before you head out you need to perform a pre-trip inspection. If your tires are underinflated then before your tow is the time to fill them back up.
6. Plan Your Route before You Go
It’s important to plan your route before you head out. Make use of your GPS to find the most efficient route to your destination. This way you can avoid unnecessary detours.
It would also be beneficial to download a gas finder app such as GasBuddy to find cheap fuel prices near you. Believe it or not, even a few cents can make a big difference in your profits.
7. Manage Your Weight
It’s important you know your tow truck’s GVWR so you avoid towing over your capacity. You can find this information in the owner’s manual for your tow truck. You should never exceed your towing capacity as it can put a strain on your tow truck and cause mechanical problems. It could also put you and others on the road at risk.
Lastly, it’s important to evenly distribute the weight of the towed vehicle. This could also affect your fuel efficiency.
Summing Up
By taking into consideration the above fuel saving tips you can cut your expenses and grow your profits.
Sources
https://www.uscargocontrol.com/blogs/blog/truck-drivers-save-fuel/
