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Summer is around the corner! For many Americans, it is the time for long road trips. However, with gasoline and diesel prices rising to levels not experienced in the United States before, the price of fuel has become a real financial concern for a growing number of Americans.

Whether or not fuel prices will stabilize in the near future, there has been a renewed interest among consumers in improving vehicle fuel economy. More than 172 billion gallons of fuel has been consumed by US vehicles in 2009 (Federal Highway Administration of the US Department of Transportation). Studies suggests that on-road fuel economy greatly suffers due to changes in driving style or vehicle maintenance.

Eco-Driving Effects on Fuel Consumption & Economy

While driving behavior is one of the most crucial factors influencing fuel use, its impact is often paid less attention to. Adopting ecological driving behavior can greatly reduce the amount of fuel used by vehicles. The variables used to demonstrate driving style include speed, acceleration, or deceleration, among others. The level of speed can affect fuel consumption, considering that each engine has an optimal range of speed value, at which it operates with optimal efficacy. Fuel consumption at a very low speed is higher due to increased heat loss, whereas at very high speeds; it increases further due to friction losses in the engine. On the other hand, fuel consumption is also higher when the vehicle is driven at a high speed.

Frequent deceleration may result in frequent acceleration. Thus, more fuel is used to increase kinetic energy and restore the vehicle’s speed. Moreover, during harsh acceleration, the engine operates at a higher speed, which again increases fuel consumption.

Idling is yet another contributing factor to fuel consumption. Motorists are, therefore, urged to switch off their vehicles’ engines if it is to remain stopped for more than half a minute. This is because the fuel required to start the engine is a lot less than that consumed if the engine was running.

Eco-Driving Best Practices

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM): Driving in the highest gear at the lowest RPM can make a difference. The lower the RPM, the lower the fuel consumption is due to friction.

Steady speed: Fuel consumption is higher during acceleration. Hence, it is beneficial to avoid frequent braking and accelerating and maintain a steady speed throughout.

Weight and air resistance: Both tend to increase the load on the engine, leading to higher fuel consumption. As a starter, clear up your car by removing all the stuff sitting idle in the trunk.

Idling: Modern vehicles’ engines are more efficient, and can perform well without the need for idling. Data shows that a compact sedan car with 2 litre engine size consumes 0.16 gallons per hour of fuel at idle without using accessories like air conditioners (the US Department of Energy). Therefore, it is more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine than leave it running.

Tire pressure: Low tire pressure increases the vehicle’s rolling resistance, which further translates into increased fuel consumption. So, get air and keep the tires at the recommended tire pressure.

Braking: Slowing down the vehicle with the use of an engine brake or the neutral gear instead of the actual brakes is a great practice. This is because no fuel is consumed when the engine brake is used in modern vehicles.

Speeding: Fuel consumption tends to increase at higher speeds. Therefore, drivers should always drive at or below the speed limit.

Leveraging Real-Time Vehicle Tracking Technology

Driver behavior is the most significant contributor to improving fuel economy of a vehicle. Speeding, idling, and inappropriate use of the accelerator & brake pedal - all contribute to inefficient fuel consumption. Improved fuel-efficient driving habits including not speeding, and not driving aggressively are among the most beneficial measures one can take to reduce costs.

Technologies such as a car GPS tracking device that help reduce fuel consumption and encourage responsible driving habits have massive potential. Today’s businesses and consumers increasingly rely on real-time vehicle tracking technology to keep track of the key fuel and safety performance variables. In fact, average fleet fuel economy improves up to 15% with the help of real-time vehicle tracking devices (the US Department of Energy).

Thanks to the Vyncs connected car tracking device, users can explore unique ways to improve driver performance and increase fuel economy by having access to a great variety of data. To ensure you get the most of your fuel, create an account on Vyncs today. Learn more about us here.

A fleet’s overall performance is highly dependent on vehicle efficiency. Data shows that on-road vehicles account for roughly 60% of total US oil consumption and over a quarter of the country’s Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. According to the US Department of Energy (https://bit.ly/3tyVsFt), a conventional vehicle will suffer a 10% to 20% fuel economy loss in city driving compared to highway driving. For hybrids, fuel economy may decrease by 20% to 40% in city driving. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency identifies that a conventional truck (made between 1980 and 2001) consumes 0.80 gallons per hour of diesel fuel and emits 140 grams/hour of NOx and 8,200 grams/hour of CO2. For fleet owners, vehicle costs and productivity are two key concerns. Top that with more frequent stops, increased idle times and fuel use, and additional miles driven, the challenges become harder to overcome.

According to the US Department of Energy (https://bit.ly/3tyVsFt), a conventional vehicle will suffer a 10% to 20% fuel economy loss in city driving compared to highway driving. For hybrids, fuel economy may decrease by 20% to 40% in city driving. Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency identifies that a conventional truck (made between 1980 and 2001) consumes 0.80 gallons per hour of diesel fuel and emits 140 grams/hour of NOx and 8,200 grams/hour of CO2.

For fleet owners, vehicle costs and productivity are two key concerns. Top that with more frequent stops, increased idle times and fuel use, and additional miles driven, the challenges become harder to overcome.

Considering the hazardous road conditions on snow-covered highways during winter, safety is another crucial factor. This makes vehicle maintenance crucial as fleets take a beating during extreme weather conditions. In such a scenario, a GPS tracker for vehicles can come in handy. Not only do they help fleet owners track real-time vehicle data (such as location, miles driven, and more), but informed decisions can also be made based on the data, ensuring smooth operation across fleets.

Fuel Consumption During Engine Idling

Idling for prolonged periods causes large amounts of fuel to be wasted. Researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory have noted that if every vehicle in the USA idles for about 6 minutes every day, about 3 billion gallons of fuel are wasted annually (https://bit.ly/3mMHYSC). In fact, more than 10 seconds of idling wastes more fuel than starting up the engine.

There are different factors that may affect the idling fuel consumption rate including engine temperature, idling speed, ignition timing, and combustion efficiency, among others. The age of a vehicle may also have an impact on the idling fuel consumption rate.

Emissions from prolonged idling are an issue that needs a more systematic solution. Using an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to get access to electricity while not driving is another method to expel idling in diesel engines.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

1. ✔ According to the US Department of Energy, hazardous driving conditions during winter can significantly reduce fuel economy for vehicles. This makes it especially harder for commercial fleets in certain regions of the States because fleets are responsible for more stops and longer idle times during the winter months.
2. ✔ Speeding, rapid acceleration, harsh braking and more can affect the gas mileage of a vehicle. Moreover, excessive idling can also cause fuel economy to be affected.
3. ✔ Carrying excessive weight also affects fuel economy.
4. ✔ Driving at a higher speed tends to increase aerodynamic drag, lowering the fuel economy of a vehicle.

Why Drivers Idle?

Idling behavior falls under two categories, including “idling for power”, and “idling out of habit”. Some drivers idle out of a belief that idling uses less fuel than stopping and restarting. Some believe that extra starts will wear out the battery soon. Reducing such idling can surely lead to reduced fuel consumption and emissions reductions.

Many long-haul sleeper trucks idle overnight to provide “hotel load”—heating, cooling, and electricity for drivers taking their mandated rest periods. Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory estimates that rest-period idling of long-haul sleeper trucks consumes up to 1 billion gallons of fuel annually at a cost of roughly $3 billion. The associated emissions consequences for CO2 are 10 million tons annually. Extended idling also occurs at loading docks and border crossings, where trucks must wait for prolonged periods in queues.

Introducing Real-Time GPS Tracking Technology

While drivers often leave their vehicles idling out of habit, the challenge is when fleet drivers idle because they need power while being stationary. In such scenarios, advising them against idling does not work. A real-time GPS tracking technology solution, therefore, is needed to keep track of idling patterns and come up with ways to reduce idling in a cost-effective way.

When you get a bird’s eye view of your fleet’s daily operation, you know how to reduce fuel costs (for example: by reducing excessive idling), increase productivity, and make the most of your business. So, if you are interested in increasing fleet visibility with the Vyncs connected car tracking device, get in touch with us today!

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 34.9 million people will hit the road on the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Considering the recent surge in gas prices, as we head into the holiday weekend, vehicle owners must be wondering, “How to save money on fuel?” There is good news for you! In fact, the rising fuel cost should not keep you from preparing for the much-needed trip you have been planning for long. With the latest connected car tracker technology, you can enjoy more saving on fuel cost than you could imagine. We understand that there is nothing like the feeling of hitting the road with a full tank of gas, an open road, and plenty of adventures that await you out there. While you cannot do much about surging gas prices, you can still pay less at the pump, and ensure your vehicle gets the best possible fuel economy. Wondering, “How is it possible?” Well, you can do a few little things to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape for getting the optimal gas mileage. Also, a product like the Vyncs connected car tracking device can help you save a fortune on gas with its various tools to optimize fuel economy. Vyncs comes with a tiny little 4G device that plugs into the OBD-II port of your vehicle. It transmits all sorts of vehicle performance (including fuel economy) data to your personal account over the wireless network, accessible from your Android/iOS and PC. So, if you are serious about reducing your fuel costs, Vyncs is there for you! Why should I care about fuel economy and how? Well, for most people this is a no-brainer. However, let us quickly review this question and get it over with. First of all, there is no denying that the recent spike in gasoline prices can take a toll on your travel budget. With gas prices likely to stay on the higher side for the near future, motorists are urged to evaluate their personal driving habits in an effort to reduce overall fuel consumption. By taking simple steps, one can ensure better fuel economy that may include but are not limited to: 1. Consistently checking the vehicle’s tire pressure 2, Staying on top of routine maintenance 3, Avoiding hard breaking & excessive speeding 4. Reducing the amount of idling time Improving vehicle fuel efficiency helps you save money, curb carbon emissions, and boost overall performance. So, pay attention to these things and you will save big bucks! Tips on saving money on gas with Vyncs GPS tracker Better mileage at your fingertips: Leveraging Vyncs’s fuel fill-up feature With gas prices reaching an all-time high, everyone seems to look for better ways to gain the upper hand. The use of real-time GPS tracking technology has become mainstream --- a unique, cost-effective way of reducing costs. Filling up at the right time and at the right place can save you money on gas. Your vehicle is more likely to offer you the best mileage possible when you fill up the tank at the right time with the right kind of fuel. This, in turn, translates into better mileage for the long run. With Vyncs, since you can easily find out the gas tank level and the kind of gas mileage you got from the gas you purchased from a gas station, you are always in a better place when it comes to improving the overall fuel economy. Also, the smart fuel-saving feature of Vyncs helps you keep track of the amount of fuel left in the vehicle and how you can optimize your gas mileage. Once you plug in the Vyncs device to your car’s OBD-II port, it will start sending driver performance data to your account. All the gas guzzling events such as rapid acceleration, harsh braking, and speeding are identified and presented to you so that you can cut down on fuel cost if you wanted to. If you are running a business fleet this is a life saver and of course a cost saver for the operations. With price for everything going up, isn’t it great to have something that brings the cost down? Vyncs identifies and reports the factors contributing to increased fuel consumption. That means you have a scope to take immediate actions to solve the issue right away. Evaluate nearby gas stations through Vyncs Saving on gas has never been easier. If you have a Vyncs device in your vehicle, you can find out nearby gas stations and compare their prices and previous performances. The device lets you keep tabs on the number of times you filled up your vehicle from different gas stations. That means you will be able to know which gas stations offer you the best deal possible. Proactive vehicle maintenance alerts The importance of vehicle maintenance cannot be overstated. One cannot overlook this important aspect. While it might be tempting to want to avoid your valuable time at the service stations for oil-changes and tune-ups, neglected engines are more likely to make you spend more on gas. Getting ahead-of-time vehicle maintenance alerts or recall notices on your smartphone means you never miss out on getting your car maintenance done right and on time. When you have Vyncs car GPS tracker, in your car, it helps you to address and fix vehicle issues before they get bigger. Another important thing to note is that fuel economy is not a constant. It changes over time depending upon the condition of the vehicle and how you drive it, among other things. Consider Table 1 which compares the fuel economy values computed by averaging the gas mileage values from a sample set of vehicles with the corresponding EPA fuel economy data. Vehicle Model -- Fuel Economy (MPG/ Miles Per Galon) (Vyncs Data) -- Official EPA Fuel Economy (MPG) 2014 Lexus LX-570 -- 18.29 -- 14 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan -- 24.29 -- 22 2006 Chevrolet Express 1500 -- 18.05 -- 14 As you can see from the table, real-world fuel economy data may vary. For example, for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, the EPA gas mileage is 22 MPG whereas the average gas mileage from the sample pool of vehicles reported here is 24.29 MPG. So, it is important to stay informed about the current gas mileage you are getting from your vehicle and that’s where Vyncs can help. Ready to Improve Gas Mileage and Increase Saving? Whether you are concerned with saving money on gas or reducing your carbon footprint on the planet, reducing fuel consumption by using Vyncs is a win-win all round. The device helps you to keep track of the fuel level and recommends the best way to save fuel, hence reducing your total costs on gas. With built-in gas price & fuel level reporting, fuel purchase & cost tracking mechanisms, and effective fuel-saving tips, you will have the peace of mind and not spend a fortune on gas. Vyncs syncs your car with your life and makes it better. Learn more about Vyncs. Connect with us today!

Vyncs offers state-of-the-art GPS tracking for cars and commercial fleets with the latest technology and a wide range of unique features that make it a top contender in the connected car market. Vyncs is a popular and the #1 best-selling connected car GPS tracking product in its category on many platforms such as Amazon.com with 2200+ five-star reviews. Vyncs is also supported in 200+ countries worldwide. That means it is already tested in many countries and particularly if you travel across countries on a regular basis, it will work seamlessly regardless of where you are. The Vyncs car GPS tracker product comes with a 4G LTE device (if your area does not support 4G then get the Vyncs 3G), a web account, and an app that you can download in any smart Android/iOS device.

With the Vyncs app, you can have peace of mind about your vehicle, even when you are not in the car next to your loved one. Vyncs offers a powerful GPS tracking and connected car solutions that go way beyond just location tracking. From driving to parking, driver safety to car maintenance, many of the Vyncs product features come handy in real-life situations more than one can probably imagine. While you are driving, Vyncs 4G+ collects data every second, analyzes it, and transfers that data to your account in the cloud over 4G wireless network. GPS sampling and update rates depend on the type of Vyncs you have. Another useful feature of Vyncs is unlimited trip history. In other words, as long as you have a valid Vyncs account, you have access to all the historical trips the vehicle took. So, if you are interested in getting mileage tax benefits for work, you would love this feature. Vyncs Fleet also allows downloading the trip data in Excel-friendly format. The Vyncs Link device analyzes car data on speed, rapid acceleration, harsh braking, idling time, etc. and assigns a driver score that represents how safely one is driving. For instance, you can view where the driver’s speeding events occurred on the map. You can see how often your driver speeds with the Vyncs speeding histogram, which shows the amount of time the driver spends in certain speed ranges. If you are a business owner and care about fuel cost, then you probably want to know how much your drivers are idling. Get unsafe driving alerts and review the driver report; Moreover, if you already do not have a roadside assistance program from one of the motor clubs or other entities, then get Vyncs Premium for 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance in USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico at just $10 extra per year which is a great deal. Whether you are a parent of a teen driver or have a business fleet, you would find the Vyncs GPS tracking and driver safety features very handy.

The anti-car theft feature is another useful thing about Vyncs. If your vehicle is parked somewhere, Vyncs device wakes up once in every hour and updates the location in your account. So, if you don’t get the hourly location update or you notice that the location has changed, then you may want to check out what is going on. If the device is unplugged and plugged back in, then Vyncs sends you a tamper notification. This comes handy when some teen drivers try to cheat by removing the device when they are left home and plugging it back in when are back home. The ‘ignition on’ reporting feature informs you every time your car is turned on. If you want to know every time the car ignition is turned on during certain “curfew” hours (timings can be personalized using your Vyncs app or web account) then this comes handy. Vyncs car tracker also tracks where, when and for how long your car stopped somewhere. You can also set up geofences of arbitrary shape (not just a circular) from your account to check when your car enters and/or exits certain areas. In fact, car monitoring features can relieve parents of a great deal of stress.

The OBD-II port of a vehicle provides access to many useful vehicle data. In fact, this is the port that your car mechanic uses for diagnosing your vehicle when there are some issues. So, if you are going to get an OBD GPS tracker then why not get something like veins that gives you access to vehicle health and maintenance information in addition to GPS tracking. The Vyncs device is equipped with the technology that lets you enjoy driving your car without constantly worrying about the health status and maintenance issues about the vehicle systems that are reported through the vehicle’s OBD2 port. Apart from car GPS tracking, Vyncs also has many car-health tracking features that include reminders and notifications for battery health condition, vehicle sub-system fault codes, car maintenance reminders, the status of the fuel tank (if available). Vyncs allows you to keep track of your car maintenance! Vyncs collects the vehicle trouble code data that’s only accessible through the OBD-II port, i.e. be the first to know exactly what’s happening with your car before it becomes a big issue. You can see all of the details in your account.

When the Vyncs Link car tracker device is connected to your car, you receive push notifications that alert you of a low or empty fuel tank. Besides reminding you to refuel, the device also locates and shows the nearby gas stations on the map in your app.

Overall, Vyncs is a good product with a wide range of features. Its #1 Best Selling rank in platforms like Amazon has good reasons. Apart from guaranteed satisfaction, 2200+ third-party reviews, ratings at VerifiedReview360 speak volumes about the quality of the Vyncs car GPS tracker device and app, and the peace of mind they have brought to the customers.