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Maintenance & Repair

Tips for Preparing Your Semi-Truck for Summer

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Are you ready for a hot semi-truck summer? The warm weather is already here in some places, and truckers need to prepare their vehicles for what lies ahead. While most of this information may seem common sense, it serves as a good reminder for even experienced truckers to take proactive steps to prepare for the coming months. 

With more than 15 million trucks and 2 million tractor-trailers on the road, owner/operators need to take special care of their equipment at all times. Here are some things truckers should keep in mind this time of year:

1. Do a summer maintenance checkup

Truckers traditionally make preparations for the harsh winter weather, while summer conditions are sometimes overlooked. Hotter temperatures may mean a new set of measurements and calibration to ensure each component is set to work properly.

Tires

Colder temperatures compress air within the tires, giving off the impression that the tire pressure is too low. Some drivers will put more air into the tires to account for this change. However, once the weather begins to warm up, the air decompresses and can make tire pressure too high. As temperatures rise, do a tire pressure check to set a new normal.

Battery and Engine

Batteries struggle to work their best in cold weather, so keeping a solid charge during the warmer months is usually not a concern. Truckers should double-check their battery, though, heading into summer to ensure it works properly. Sometimes excessive heat can drain a battery, so monitor its charge regularly. Truckers also need to verify their truck engines stay cool as well. Inspect the truck’s coolant levels and hoses to avoid overheating and replace any suspect parts before they break.

AC

Spending all day in a truck without air conditioning sounds like a nightmare. Check internal cooling systems as summer starts, looking for leaks or cracks in the tubing. Get any parts replaced in order to have a comfortable ride no matter how hot it gets outside.

2. Be ready for emergencies

All experienced owner/operators know to be ready for whatever comes their way. That includes creating an emergency kit that can help when something goes wrong. An emergency kit should include items to help truckers survive and recover whenever an emergency happens. 

Some key things to have in an emergency kit:

  • Several days of food and water
  • Extra clothes
  • Cash
  • Cellphone and charger
  • Flashlight
  • Toolbox with tools of varying sizes
  • Flares
  • Swiss Army knife

It’s also a good idea to keep a first-aid kit in the truck. Use the beginning of summer as an opportunity to check that everything in the kit is current and replace any items that may have expired.

3. Take care of your health

It is vital that owner/operators take care of their physical and mental health at all times. During the summer months, truckers should wear sunscreen each day, even if they do not plan to spend much time out of the cab. While some truck windows protect from harmful UV light, truckers may often find themselves outside and need that layer of protection.

Truckers should also stay hydrated, drinking water and other healthy drinks while avoiding soda. Staying hydrated will help keep drivers alert while driving and avoid any possible distractions from feeling thirsty or dehydrated.

It’s also important to focus on regulating emotions on the road. The summer typically means more drivers on the road, especially on weekends. This may lead to increased traffic or more inexperienced drivers trying to navigate the increased traffic. Truckers must remember this fact and attempt to stay calm during stressful driving situations.

Preparing for a Busy Year

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to fade away, more and more people this summer are expected to travel. Even with increasing gas prices, there is expected to be a significant amount of traffic on the road as people want to leave their homes after spending much of the past year stuck inside.

Both owner/operators and other truckers must be prepared for this surge and ensure both their trucks and themselves are prepared for what comes ahead. For many truck drivers, the summer season may be seen as a respite from the snowy and icy conditions of winter. Summer brings its own challenges, but by taking the steps mentioned above, they can feel prepared and ready to take on the coming months.

7 Crucial Tips for Truck Tire Maintenance and Repair

Why it’s important to choose the right tires for your semi-truck

Every trucker has heard it a million times: The tires are the only part of the truck touching the road, so take care of them at all times. This advice has become so commonplace that it likely gets overlooked among the wide range of safety and performance checks drivers make each day before hitting the road.

It is imperative, though, that truckers ensure their tires work at peak performance at all times. A damaged tire presents an immediate safety concern for the driver and other motorists on the road. Let’s take a minute and look at what truck drivers should look for in their tires and the best ways to maintain them for safety and efficiency.

How to Pick the Correct Tires for Your Truck

The best tires for each driver depend on the type of truck piloted and the driver’s typical routes. Advances in tire technology continue to provide benefits, but even then, truck drivers may not be comfortable with some of the performance or cost tradeoffs that happen.

The traditional dual tire structure remains the most popular, but wide-based low-resistance tires continue to grow in popularity. As their name suggests, these tires provide less resistance than traditional tires, offering drivers improved gas mileage. When the price of diesel fuel is low, these types of tires are used less, as they need to be replaced more often; however, when the price of fuel climbs above $4 per gallon, they may become more cost-efficient over time.

How to Take Care of Your Truck Tires

No matter what type of tires you use, it is vital they work properly. Here are some tire maintenance checks all drivers should regularly make.

  1. Check air pressure.

Over- or under-inflated tires can reduce the performance of a truck and alter how it drives or reacts in an emergency. Drivers should manually check their air pressure before every trip to ensure it meets the manufacturer-designated standards. Larger fleets should consider using tire pressure monitoring systems (TMPS) and continuous tire inflation systems (CTIS) on trailers. While they bring an added cost, these systems ensure tire pressure remains safe and consistent.

  1. Check tread depth.

Along with air pressure, the depth of tire treads should be checked before every trip. The standard way is to put a penny with Lincoln upside down between the treads. If Lincoln’s face is visible, it is time for a new set.

  1. Rotate tires.

Based on where they are on a truck, tires can receive uneven wear and tear on the tread. Rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles can help expand their life span. Along with rotating tires, complete a full three-axle wheel alignment as well. While these measures may seem tedious, they go a long way in keeping tires on the road.

  1. Ensure proper wheel torque.

This is easier than it sounds. Wheel torque is the simple act of adjusting the lug nuts on your wheels. Wheels that are either too tight or too loose can cause damage while driving, so take a few minutes and check each one before you start a trip.

  1. Practice good habits.

Tires are designed to perform a certain way. Driving too fast, making hard stops, or accelerating too quickly can quicken tire deterioration. Continue to drive in a safe manner that follows all road laws and best practices to protect tires and other valuable equipment.

  1. Fix problems when they happen.

For busy truckers, it can be easy to neglect small items that need fixing. Too often, these smaller problems grow into larger ones that can increase the cost of repairs. If you notice something is wrong with a tire or any part of your truck, make an effort to fix it as quickly as possible, so it does not turn into a larger problem.

  1. Stay up to date.

New information about tires and other preventative safety measures constantly change and are continually updated. Even experienced drivers need to ensure they have all the latest training and adhere to new standards and laws when driving. Drivers can never have enough training, so put yourself in a continuous learning state to enjoy long-term success.

Drivers today must work within several standards and regulations to properly operate on the road. This can feel like a lot at times. These steps are important, and taking smart care of your truck and its tires will provide sustainable financial benefits for you and your operation.

5 Tips for Winterizing Your Semi-Truck

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Working as a long-haul owner/operator is a difficult, dangerous career not meant for the faint of heart. Ever-changing road and weather conditions, unfamiliar locations, 70-hour workweeks, and almost total isolation—the modern owner/operator faces unparalleled challenges day in and day out. As the winter season creeps in, drivers have their work cut out for them as they deliver all of those unbelievable Black Friday deals and Santa’s nice-list promises. With that in mind, it’s imperative that owner/operators plan ahead for the harsh winter weather and prepare their trucks for what is sure to be one of the busiest holiday seasons to date.

Here are five tips for winterizing your semi-truck to stay safe and save money while on road:

1. Inspect Your Battery

Many people don’t know this, but extreme weather can zap the charge from a vehicle’s battery. According to Farm and Dairy, “Cold temperatures wreak havoc on batteries because they slow the chemical reaction inside of the battery. Though batteries can function under myriad conditions, the cold weather tends to degrade high-quality batteries and may render subpar batteries useless.” The last thing an owner/operator needs is to wake up to a dead battery as their truck sits in a parking lot in the middle of nowhere, therefore losing valuable driving time and increasing expenses. Avoid battery problems by inspecting the battery connectors for corrosion, securing the mounts, and checking the electrical components. If the battery is over two years old, consider replacing the battery prior to peak season.

2. Install an Electric Block Heater

Diesel engines require significantly more heat to turn-over than their gasoline counterparts—the combustion range for gasoline is 700 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit while the range for diesel is 1,000 to 1,200. In cold enough temperatures, a diesel engine may struggle to turn-over, and during the most inclement winter weather, there may be no viable way for the engine to reach the necessary temperatures. This can be avoided by installing an electric block heater to keep the engine warm while the vehicle is off overnight, ensuring it rolls over on the first try regardless of the weather outside.

3. Check Your Tires

Ideally, drivers should inspect their tires religiously as tire blowouts account for roughly 6% of semi-truck accidents. The need to inspect tires increases with the colder weather as worn-out, damaged, or underinflated tires can struggle to gain traction in snow and ice, creating unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, owner/operators need to pack the correct size and number of tire chains in case their route takes them through a state where semi-trucks are required to use chains. Tire chains are an owner/operator’s best friend when driving on icy terrain; they can make all the difference between reaching your destination safely or sliding into a ditch—or worse. Stay prepared and plan ahead.

4. Inspect Your Cooling System

A semi-truck’s engine cooling system has to work overtime during the winter months. This is due to the fact that the harsh winter weather forces the engine itself to work significantly harder than in the warmer months. The cooling system should be thoroughly inspected and tested by a mechanic prior to the winter season to make sure no hoses are worn or damaged, hose clamps are tight and secure, and the radiator has no damage or leaks. If the cooling system fails, the entire engine will fail along with it, costing you precious dollars and quite possibly your deadline. The last thing an owner/operator wants is to be stranded on the side of the road with no fix other than replacing the cooling system completely.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Sometimes, no matter how much you plan, or how much you prepare, you still run into the proverbial—or literal—bump in the road. If an owner/operator finds themselves stranded in harsh winter climates while in route to their destination, it can be incredibly dangerous without the necessary supplies to ensure your safety and survival. Always prepare an emergency kit to protect yourself from the weather or other threats you may face while on the road. We recommend including the following items in your emergency travel kit:

● Extra blankets
● First aid kit
● Flashlight and extra batteries
● Canned food and bottled water
● Gloves
● Scarves
● Hats
● Snow boots
● Snow shovel
● Flare and flare gun
● CB Radio
● Extra coolant, washer fluid, engine oil
● Extra fuel filter and fuel filter wrench
● Spare Diesel fuel
● Tire chains

These items will make sure you are safe, protected, and have extra supplies on-hand in case the problem can be easily solved—such as low oil levels or running out of fuel.

How to Prepare for Roadside Inspections

How to Prepare for Roadside Inspections

At some point in your trucking career, you will be flagged down for a roadside inspection. Passing or failing inspection, however, is ultimately contingent on your preparedness.

For owner-operator drivers and motor carriers, these inspections carry real consequences. Violations can lead to out-of-service orders, higher insurance premiums, lost broker relationships, and downtime that directly affects revenue.

A poor compliance record can also damage your reputation with shippers and fleet managers.

The good news is that most violations are preventable. Knowing how to prepare for roadside inspections and following consistent inspection routines can help you stay compliant and maintain a strong safety record.

The Different Levels of Roadside Inspections

Roadside inspections follow standardized procedures established by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). These inspections typically fall into three primary categories.

  • Level I inspections are the most comprehensive. Inspectors conduct a full North American Standard inspection, including examination of both the driver and the vehicle. During this process, inspectors inspect vehicle components and review hours-of-service (HOS) compliance.
  • Level II inspection procedures focus on many of the same vehicle components, but without crawling underneath the truck. The inspector performs a walk-around inspection and checks the driver’s documentation.
  • A Level III inspection is about driver compliance. Inspectors review records such as driver’s license, record of duty status, electronic logging devices, and required documents related to driver qualification.

If inspectors identify serious safety issues when the roadside inspection occurs, the vehicle may be placed out of service under the North American Standard Inspection Criteria. You must then correct the violations before the truck can return to the road.

automobile mechanic checking tires and repairing broken semi truck tractor in the garage, selective focus.

How to Prepare for Roadside Inspections: Key Steps Every Driver and Fleet Manager Should Follow

Once you understand how inspections work, the next step is to follow a consistent semi truck inspection checklist and stay on top of routine truck maintenance to reduce violations and pass inspections with confidence.

Keep Your Documentation Organized and Accessible

A Level III inspection is specifically focused on the driver’s credentials, so documentation must be organized and readily available.

Drivers should always keep the following required documents within reach:

  • Driver’s license and commercial driver’s license (CDL) credentials
  • Medical examiner certificate or applicable medical waivers
  • Record of duty status and electronic logging devices (ELDs) logs
  • Registration and proof of insurance
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement credentials
  • International Registration Plan documentation
  • Annual inspection reports
  • Hazmat paperwork, if applicable

Having these materials organized in a binder or digital folder prevents unnecessary delays during the inspection process. Many drivers also keep electronic backups of key documents. This helps avoid problems if paperwork becomes damaged or misplaced during travel.

Maintaining accessible documentation ensures inspectors can quickly verify compliance, allowing drivers to complete inspections and return to the road faster.

Perform Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections Every Day

During a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) Level I Roadside Inspection, inspectors closely examine the vehicle’s condition.

A thorough pre-trip inspection can help drivers identify safety problems before they lead to violations.

A pre-trip inspection should check several critical vehicle components:

  • Brake system and brake and accelerator pedals
  • Tire condition and tread depth
  • Lighting systems and reflectors
  • Air leaks and suspension components
  • Cargo securement and trailer connections

Documenting any issues helps ensure you can address problems quickly. Small issues can escalate into serious safety violations if ignored.

A complete pre-trip inspection routine improves the likelihood of passing roadside inspections and prevents unexpected downtime.

Stay on Top of Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance plays a major role in keeping a commercial vehicle compliant during inspections. Routine service should include monitoring key components such as:

  • Brake adjustments
  • Tire inflation and rotation
  • Steering and suspension systems
  • Emissions equipment
  • Lighting systems

Working with a trusted maintenance shop helps ensure repairs are completed correctly and documented for compliance purposes.

Keeping detailed service records also helps motor carriers demonstrate responsible maintenance practices during audits or inspections.

Conduct Post-Trip and En Route Inspections

A post-trip inspection is where you catch tomorrow’s violation today. Focus on the items most likely to slip between loads and trigger a violation:

  • Tires and wheels: look for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, low pressure, missing lug nuts, or leaking hub seals
  • Brakes and air system: listen for air leaks, check air build time, drain air tanks if needed, and note any pull, fade, or warning lights you felt during the day
  • Lights and reflective tape: walk the full rig, confirm everything works, and clean lenses if they’re obscured by grime
  • Cargo securement points: inspect straps, chains, binders, edge protection, and anchor points for damage or slack
  • Leaks under the truck: spot-check for oil, coolant, fuel, or air line leaks near fittings and the engine area
  • Paperwork and ELD notes: reconcile your duty status and annotate anything that could raise questions (delays, breakdowns, roadside service)

En route, quick checks also help prevent roadside surprises. Check the failure points at every opportunity:

  • First stop after departure (5 minutes): verify tires, lights, and load securement, because straps settle and issues show up early
  • Fuel stops: check tire pressure visually, look for fresh leaks, inspect lights, and make sure your trailer connections and airlines are seated
  • After rough roads or hard braking: re-check securement tension, tire condition, and listen for new air leaks
  • Any time something feels off: pull into a safe location and look immediately, because inspectors will notice what you ignored

This routine reduces repeat violations and gives you a clean paper trail if an inspector asks what you did to stay compliant.

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Protect Your CSA Score and Safety Record

Violations discovered during roadside inspections directly impact a carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score.

Poor safety scores can create several business challenges:

  • Increased insurance premiums
  • Reduced eligibility with freight brokers
  • Loss of contracts with shippers
  • Increased regulatory scrutiny

Repeated violations also raise the likelihood of future inspections. Maintaining a strong compliance record helps fleets maintain credibility and attract better freight opportunities.

What Happens If You’re Placed Out of Service During the Inspection Process?

An out-of-service order is not a warning. It is an immediate stop under state and federal regulations that prevents you from moving until you resolve the issue.

Here is what it typically looks like when an inspection officer places you out of service:

  • You are parked until the violation is fixed: Depending on the issue, that could mean waiting for roadside service, getting towed, or sitting until a qualified repair is completed.
  • Your clock and schedule take a hit: If the stop runs long, you can burn through hours of service and hit hours-of-service limits, even if the original problem was mechanical. If the inspection includes log review, problems tied to electronic logging devices can also extend the stop.
  • It can jeopardize your load: Brokers and shippers do not care why a truck is late. A missed appointment can mean a rescheduled delivery, a rate cut, or losing the load entirely.
  • Costs stack up fast: Roadside callouts, towing, parts, and labor all cost more when you are stuck on the shoulder or at a scale. Even if you get the repair done quickly, you still lose revenue while the truck is not rolling.
  • It creates a paper trail that follows you: The inspection result becomes part of your compliance history, and repeated issues make your next roadside inspection more likely.

You can prevent many out-of-service situations by treating your daily walkaround like a compliance drill. Make sure documents are easy to access, record issues in your DVIR, and do not ignore small mechanical problems that turn into safety defects drivers get cited for.

That combination is what supports successful roadside inspections and puts you or your fleet in a better position for passing roadside inspections the next time you get pulled over.

Driver reviews documents while operating truck on highway in Pleasant Grove California

Conclusion

Preparation is the most effective way to avoid violations, reduce delays, and maintain safe road operations. Routine inspections and preventative maintenance help drivers remain compliant with industry regulations while protecting their ability to operate.

Staying compliant protects not just your license, but your equipment investment and long-term business growth.

If repairs or maintenance are standing between you and a roadworthy truck, Mission Financial Services can help. We offer commercial truck financing options that support necessary fixes and keep you ready for the next load.

Get in touch and start your credit application today, and keep your truck where it’s meant to be – on the road, making money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Level I DOT Inspection?

A Level I inspection is the most comprehensive roadside inspection. It includes both a driver compliance review and a detailed inspection of the vehicle’s mechanical condition.

What Is the Most Common Roadside Inspection Violation?

Common violations include brake system issues, lighting problems, tire tread violations, and hours-of-service limits violations related to electronic logging devices.

How Long Does a Roadside Inspection Take?

The length of an inspection varies by level. Some Level II inspection procedures may take only a few minutes, while full Level I inspections may take longer.

How Do Violations Affect My CSA Score?

Violations recorded during inspections contribute to a carrier’s CSA score. Repeated violations may lead to increased regulatory oversight and higher insurance costs.

Everything You Need to Know about Annual Semi-Truck Maintenance

Semi-truck maintenance can be expensive and unpredictable, but it’s a necessary evil that comes along with ownership. It’s tempting to put off repairs until damage occurs, but regular maintenance is crucial to preventing more serious problems down the road. Preventative maintenance can save costs and eliminate downtime for your truck. Annual repairs and tune-ups are recommended by industry professionals, but how often are they really necessary, and how much should you be saving for them? Here are our recommendations for how to keep up with your annual semi-truck maintenance.

What Yearly Maintenance is Necessary?

Major engine repair can cost up to $22k, so preventative measures are cheaper in the long run. While the intricacies of your truck are unique, there are a few measures that are standard for all trucks. While many are relatively cheap and mundane, they can prevent engine and body damage that could potentially cost you a small fortune in repairs. Here are the most important methods of regular truck maintenance to keep in mind:

  • Checking tires for wear
  • Regular oil changes
  • Fuel Vent Cleaning
  • Brake checks
  • Add Grease to Moving Parts
  • Check Radiator for Leaks and Fluid Loss

Some Repairs Are More Important Than Others… 

While all regular maintenance is important, there are three things that are especially crucial: tires, radiators, and oil changes. These are particularly important because they can cause the most expensive damage if left unattended.

Tires

 Replacing your worn tires is essential for responsible truck ownership due to the dangerous alternative. Popping a tire on your route becomes a massive collision risk once you lose control of the vehicle. When you drive with worn tires, you risk damaging your own truck, public property, as well as posing a massive public safety risk. It’s important to be able to recognize when your tires have worn down too thin. Most semi-truck tires have clear indicators of this, known as “tread wear indicators,” and if they’re visible, it’s time to replace. They usually just look like flat bars running the width of the tire. A good standard to follow is to reassess every 100,000-150,000 miles or if you notice a cracking or bulging along the sidewalls of the tires.

Oil Changes

Oil changes are vastly important, and if you don’t keep up with it, you’ll start to see a plethora of problems with your engine. Oil changes clean out sludge and grime, and without them, your engine could overheat and cease its normal functions, leading to a much bigger bill. While your truck might have a light that comes on on your dash when it’s time, the best way to be sure of your oil situation is to regularly check your oil stick.

Radiator Maintenance

It’s important to check for leaks in your radiator and replace any fluids that appear to be running low. These efforts also aid in the prevention of an engine overheat. Engine care is especially important considering that it can be one of the most expensive repairs you’ll ever have as an owner-operator.

How Much Should You Save?

It can be difficult to judge how much money to put away from each paycheck towards a maintenance fund. These costs will differ dramatically depending on various factors. One of the most important factors is your own skillset. Doing the maintenance yourself will be a fraction of what it would cost you to go and have it done by a professional. If you’re not well versed in semi-truck maintenance, you’ll have to fork over significantly more dough, but the quality is the most important priority when it comes to taking care of you and your livelihood. Additionally, the type of truck that you have matters. Older trucks tend to have more expensive maintenance proceedings due to the rarity of their parts and the added wear and tear.

While there is no exact formula, there is a usual estimate based on miles driven that industry professionals recommend using. Usually saving between 5-10 cents per mile driven is a good idea, but if you’re finding that you have to save more than 15 cents per mile, it might be time to consider replacing your truck in favor of a more dependable option.

Staying Safe and Financially Secure

Breaking down due to poor maintenance can not only cause expensive repairs, it can majorly cut into productivity, as you have to stop your route and seek help. Sometimes you even have to forfeit your haul and therefore lose out on the pay from the entire trip, putting you behind on paychecks with the added stress of repair bills.

It can additionally be dangerous to not have a properly functioning semi, as many of these repairs are essential to having total control of the truck. It can be especially unsafe if you break down on a route and you’re in an unfamiliar place without immediate assistance. All of these factors are important to consider before getting a semi-truck, as these procedures are part of operating costs that will determine your overall profit and lifestyle. If you think you’re ready to take it all on, contact Mission Financial to get started with your semi-truck financing!

Top 6 Ways for Fleet Owners to Conserve Fuel

 

While you may find the picture above amusing, there’s nothing amusing about spending more money for fuel than you need. Your fuel prices are high enough without them receiving any extra help. While many ways exist for you to lower your fleet’s fuel costs, let’s look at six of them right now. Here are the top ways for fleet owners to start conserving fuel.

1. Regular Preventive Maintenance

The number one and most impactful method for reducing fuel costs is implementing an effective regular preventive maintenance (PM) program. Regularly scheduled PM, which can improve a truck’s fuel economy by up to 40 percent, includes maintaining engines and related components as well tires.

 

  • Regular engine oil changes are a must for your trucks because they’re one of the biggest components to PM. The United States Department of Energy states you can increase per-truck fuel economy by as much as two percent by using manufacturers’ recommended engine oil grades. Additionally, look for engine oil labeled as “energy conserving”; it contains friction-reducing additives that help increase fuel economy. Less friction means oil will circulate more easily through the powertrain, which helps improve fuel economy.

 

  • During each of your trucks’ PMs, remove and clean the battery, its connectors, and cables, then load test each one. Something may fail under load, but better in your shop than on the road. Buy your mechanics a battery tester and ensure they know how to use it.

 

  • Trucks’ coolant systems and pressure test caps must be checked during each PM. You don’t want coolant to boil, possibly leading to more costly repairs because of a faulty cap. By caring for your trucks’ cooling systems, you can prevent about 50 percent of potentially major engine failures.

 

  • Don’t forget antifreeze. By “don’t forget,” we mean pay attention to the antifreeze you use prior to adding it to a truck’s cooling system. Newer engines contain metals such as aluminum that don’t play well with some of the chemicals added to engine coolants. Ensure your technicians understand which trucks require which coolants, and ensure they monitor the coolant condition of each truck.

 

  • Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate – and not just engines. Kingpins and universal joints are two major weak points, so take care of them. Although some universal joints have been designed to run hundreds of thousands of miles without trouble, many eventually will require a normal lubricant regimen.

 

  • Let’s talk a little bit about your truck’s tires. The United States Department of Energy maintains that for every one PSI drop in tire pressure, gas mileage will decrease by 0.4 percent. Also, ensure trucks maintain proper wheel alignment, as improper alignment can negatively affect fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent. Needless to say, keep your truck’s tires inflated to the proper pressure and check your wheel alignment.

2. Reshape Your Driving Behavior

The second way to conserve fuel is by addressing driving behavior. The United States Department of Energy has found aggressive drivers can reduce highway fuel efficiency by up to 33 percent and city fuel efficiency by up to five percent.

How can fleet owners shape driver behavior? One way may be to deploy in-cab tools such as coaching apps. Here are three in-cab driver coaching apps that can help increase your fleet’s fuel efficiency. Although they all differ from one another in particular respects, they share several commonalities:

  • They draw their truck data directly from the engine control module through a truck’s data port.
  • They all provide drivers with indicators regarding their driving performances.
  • They all provide driver feedback and score them based upon driving technique, without relying upon fuel consumption data.

Deploying apps like these and having your drivers accept them will work best when you and your company trust your drivers. If you trust them, they’ll trust you and be more likely to accept new technology. Your drivers may even use apps like this to create friendly rivalries to determine who is the most fuel-efficient driver. You could even create company-sanctioned competitions complete with rewards for drivers and driver teams.

3. Fuel-Saving Technologies

Third, evaluate fuel-saving technologies you could implement in your fleet. If you haven’t yet, evaluate telemetry, automated manual transmissions, low-rolling-resistance tires, anti-idling devices, synthetic lubricants, automatic tire inflation systems, adaptive loading axles, full-tractor aerodynamic packages, and aerodynamic skirting for trailers. These are some of the low-hanging fruits you could grab.

4. Consider Truck Replacement

You might consider replacing older trucks with new trucks, even if you might be retrofitting older trucks with fuel-saving specs. Fleets can save $6,048 per truck in the first year of fuel expenditures when replacing a 2015 MY sleeper. That’s a 12 percent increase in fuel economy!

5. Analyze Your Truck Data

Perform some old-fashioned data analysis. How do patterns of fuel usage compare among your drivers on the same or similar routes? Who uses the most fuel, all things being equal? Which trucks present the lowest MPG? Could design or mechanical issues cause any discovered fuel efficiency issues? Maybe the route itself creates a fuel efficiency issue, which leads to the sixth and final top way for fleet owners to conserve fuel.

6. Optimize Your Route Plans

Don’t just rely solely on routing software; perform a route analysis the old-fashioned way. Road quality, traffic conditions, and speed limits influence a truck’s MPG. The shortest distance from one point to another may not always be the most cost-effective. Analyze idling time vs. driving time and design routes to minimize idling as much as possible. Also, look at the terrain your trucks travel on. The EPA’s fuel estimates assume operation on flat surfaces, so if your routes traverse hilly or bumpy roads, your vehicle’s MPG will be lower than the EPA’s ratings for your vehicles.

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