At the beginning of the year, gasoline prices were at record highs, largely due to increased demand as the pandemic receded. However, after months of incessant high prices at the pump, there has been a sigh of relief in recent weeks.
The national average for a regular gallon of gasoline dropped to $3.95, according to data released on August 15, 2022, by the American Automobile Association.
While average gasoline prices have dropped below $4 per gallon in 9 states, it accounts for a significant monthly expense for many fleets and motorists in the USA. With global oil and gas prices being highly volatile, they are struggling to find ways to reduce costs and increase mileage.
In such a scenario, when fuel prices are extremely volatile, how to improve gas mileage and reduce costs? Since fuel is a major contributor to a fleet’s operational costs, it’s important for fleet managers to keep tabs on fuel consumption and take the right measures to make the most of it. Thus, they will be better able to keep operational costs down.
Since driving behavior plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption, it would make sense if you knew the key components of driving behavior in the first place. Learn about the factors influencing fuel use and costs.
Improved Fuel Economy Means Taking the Right Measures
Poor driving habits are not just detrimental to one’s safety, they can dig a hole in your pocket too. Even little changes in your driving and vehicle maintenance habits can help reduce costs. The introduction of vehicle tracking devices has made it easier for you to analyze the areas where changes are needed in terms of getting better mileage and reducing costs.
While fuel prices are volatile now, using GPS tracking technology is a sure-fire way to stretch your gas mileage and enjoy better fuel economy. Let’s delve into the tips provided by the American Automobile Association.
Make the Smart Move: Slow Down
We cannot put enough stress on the importance of driving within the speed limit. On the highway, when speed increases over 50 mph, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy and gas mileage to drop off (AAA). Maintaining a steady speed throughout can help you save money on fuel. Make sure your fleet drivers are trained to abide by speed limits and understand the need to maintain reasonable speed both for safety and savings.
To ensure this, you may consider using real-time GPS tracking technology to keep track of aggressive driving habits including speeding, harsh braking, acceleration, tailgating, and more.
Unnecessary Idling Does More Harm Than Good
The US Department of Energy recommends against unnecessary idling as it can be a significant source of fuel waste, leaving residues on the engine that eventually damages its components, causing higher maintenance costs in the long run.
Vehicle manufacturers think that idling is unnecessary in modern vehicles. This is why they encourage eco-driving to increase fuel economy and reduce carbon footprints on the planet.
Getting the Junk Out of the Trunk
A significant boost in gas mileage comes from reducing weight in a vehicle. A lot of us don’t realize how harmful it is to accumulate stuff in the trunk of a vehicle. Not only does it hamper the vehicle’s aesthetics but also its efficiency. According to the data released by the US Department of Energy, de-cluttering 100 pounds can help improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by 2%.
Maintaining proper tire pressure, using the grade of motor oil recommended by the car’s manufacturer, changing air filters at regular intervals, and ensuring the engine is tuned properly - are crucial factors that contribute to a greater miles-per-gallon.
Abrupt Slamming on the Brakes is Not Recommended
The harder the engine works, the more gas it consumes. Harsh braking makes the engine work harder, sucking up more gasoline in the process. While hard braking is required occasionally if a vehicle ahead stops abruptly, drivers that frequently demonstrate harsh braking behavior are at a greater risk of rear-end collisions.
Apart from hard braking increasing the likelihood of a traffic accident, excessive occurrences of it can cause brakes to overheat. This causes significant damage to the metal components or glazing brake pads.
Harsh braking on the highway or city roads can reduce fuel economy by 33%. GPS vehicle tracking technology gives you a comprehensive view of the driving styles of your drivers. Thus, fleet managers are in a better position to decide if their drivers need training. These systems help you monitor speed, idle times, harsh braking, fuel consumption, and more.
Increase Your Fleet Fuel Economy with Vyncs
Managing a fleet efficiently is not an easy feat. It takes a village to ensure smooth operation, curtail unnecessary fuel costs, and maintain safety across the fleet. Fortunately, GPS tracking technology provides businesses with an opportunity to increase their fleet fuel efficiency and reduce costs.
As the US gasoline price continues to remain volatile, fleet managers need to respond to such uncertainty by leveraging the power of telematics and actionable intelligence. That also means promoting fuel-efficient practices that help owners keep operational costs in control.
Ensuring better fuel economy lies at the heart of what Vyncs does for you. Contact us today, if you are interested in learning more about how Vyncs can help with reducing overall fuel expenditures by identifying the contributing factors and helping you take measures accordingly.