Tips to improve fleet fuel efficiency

By Wright Insurance Brokers

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Optimising vehicle fuel efficiency is a vital aspect of ensuring business success in the transport and haulage sector. Taking steps to improve your fleet’s fuel efficiency could not only generate an increase in profits but also helps to protect the environment by limiting carbon emissions and pollution levels.

According to a recent report published by the SEAI, transport is by far the largest source of final energy demand in Ireland. In 2018 it accounted for 42% of final energy demand and grew by 2.6%.

One way to optimise vehicle fuel efficiency within your transport or haulage business is through the implementation of smart driving initiatives.

Next time your drivers hit the road, give them these five tips to ensure their journey is fuel-efficient.

Anticipate other drivers

One of the most vital attributes of being a smart driver is the ability to anticipate potential hazards on the road.

When drivers don’t prepare for possible hazards, they are more likely to resort to the ‘stop-go’ technique of sharp braking and frequent acceleration. Repeatedly pushing down on the vehicle’s accelerator leads to higher fuel consumption. By spotting hazards earlier and allowing for enough stopping distance, your drivers will be able to avoid such frequent acceleration and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

Use momentum

Most modern vehicles have technology in place to recognize when vehicle momentum is driving the engine forwards rather than the engine driving the vehicle. A fuel cut-off switch usually kicks in when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, halting the flow of fuel to the injectors. Generally, this means that it is more fuel-efficient for drivers to remain in the right gear and take their foot off the accelerator when driving downhill or slowing down, rather than ‘coasting’ in neutral. Allowing the vehicle to coast in neutral would still burn fuel to keep the engine ticking over.

Keep tyres inflated

When a vehicle has under-inflated tyres, the engine must work harder—thus burning more fuel—to overcome this resistance. To combat this and boost fuel efficiency, drivers should be required to ensure tyres are correctly maintained and inflated to the proper pressure during their daily vehicle walk-around check.

Use air conditioning sparingly

The air conditioning in a vehicle gathers its power from the engine, which increases fuel consumption. The air conditioning system doesn’t have to work quite as hard to maintain the temperature once lowered.

Consider having a minimum temperature that drivers can set the climate control to in their vehicles. After all, a single degree can make a huge difference in fuel consumption.

In addition, drivers should never have the air conditioning system running while vehicle windows are open.

Turn the engine off

Drivers can decrease vehicle fuel consumption when they aren’t moving in traffic by turning the engine off and on rather than letting the engine idle. Engine idling should be limited to no more than a minute. However, drivers should ensure that it is both safe and practical to do so.

For additional industry-specific guidance or fleet insurance solutions, please call 0818 000 080.

References: https://www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-statistics/transport/

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Howden Insurance (Ireland) Limited trading as Wright Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Howden Insurance (Ireland) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, No. 973308. Registered in Ireland under company registration number 338916. Registered Office: 10 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22, Ireland. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.