Top 5 Tips to Increase Fuel Efficiency

PHH FirstFleet Fuel Study Identifies Top 5 Tips to Increase Fuel Efficiency

Spec'ing a Fleet's 'Sweet Spot' Maximizes Fuel Economy, Performance

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- PHH FirstFleet today announced the results of its 18-month, telematics-based fuel study of U.S. truck fleets in the grocery, manufacturing, fuel, and retail markets. This benchmark multi-phased study goes beyond speeding and idling indicating several major fuel-saving tactics as fuel prices continue rising. The study also offers a Top Five Tip List for fleet managers heading into the second half of 2007.

The PHH FirstFleet Fuel Study was headed by Applications Engineer, Ezel Baltali. Along with a team of engineers, Baltali developed the following hypothesis: By slightly over-spec'ing engines in order to run more consistently in the "sweet spot," choosing a gear ratio low enough to suit a fleet's application and location, and enabling the correct fuel-efficient, engine-specific parameters, fuel economy will improve by 0.3 MPG (or around 5%).

The study's findings showed that the hypothesis is correct. When combined with other variables including progressive shifting, APUs and chassis improvements, this "sweet spot" is where both fuel efficiency and performance are maximized. Additionally, the study concluded that slightly over-spec'ing engines improves fuel economy, which equates to a savings of approximately $2,000 per tractor per year (assuming 100,000 miles are driven per year).

"New emissions standards, the launch of ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) and new truck requirements create several challenges for the industry," said Michael C. Lewis, president and general manager. "We anticipate truck sales declining, prices increasing, and an overall decrease in fuel economy for private fleets, all of which dictate creative cost-cutting strategies. This study points to fuel-saving initiatives other than driver habits, such as speeding and idling, to help reduce operating costs."

In conjunction with the results of PHH FirstFleet's Fuel Study, the company is announcing a Top Five Tip List for achieving better fuel economy:

 1. Increase engine torque ratings -- Increasing torque ratings provides a
    simple and effective method to decrease time spent in the high output
    torque ranges. Driving at high output torque ratings also leads to
    over-revving, or RPMs higher than the engine parameters specify. Over-
    revving shortens the life of the engine, which sustains higher costs
    and lower fuel economy. On the same note, driving in a lower RPM range
    than the engine's specified parameters may result in driver
    dissatisfaction and could require increased downshifting, which
    indirectly causes over-revving.
 2. Decrease gear ratio -- Choosing a lower gear ratio improves fuel
    economy, reduces engine wear, increases speed at lower RPMs and may
    help reduce over-revving. In general, choose the correct rear axle gear
    ratio for the fleet's application and needs, but consider that while
    higher gear ratios may improve overall performance and provide added
    power in lower gears, additional power causes equipment to lose fuel
    economy. If improving fuel economy remains a priority, consider whether
    the extra performance validates the loss in fuel economy.
 3. Engine Specific Parameter Controls
    a. Speeding -- Above 70 MPH, a tractor's engine works to overcome
       aerodynamic drag. In fact, it demands over 60% of the engine's total
       available horsepower, which significantly increases fuel
       consumption.  If speed is decreased to 55 MPH in the appropriate
       gear, the horsepower demand is reduced to only 40% and draws less
       fuel.
    b. Idling -- Idling achieves 0.0 Miles-per-gallon and uses .5 to 1
       gallon of fuel per hour. Consider idle shutdown in order to save
       fuel while at stops.
    c. Progressive Shifting -- Drivers shifting quickly in lower gears
       prevents over-revving, which decreases fuel consumption and
       increases fuel economy.
 4. Spec APUs -- Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) allow drivers to run
    peripheral applications like air conditioning without running the
    engine.  This decreases idling, reducing fuel consumption and improving
    fuel economy. Because APUs carry extra weight, the payload must
    decrease to meet weight limits.
 5. Chassis Improvements
    a. Aerodynamics -- New innovations in trailer aerodynamics, as well as
       roof fairings, side fairings, and bumper and side skirts, provide
       decreased wind resistance, which reduces required horsepower and
       thus fuel consumption.
    b. Lower Weight -- New materials allow for less weight and more
       potential fuel economy gains, although with decreased chassis and
       trailer weight, overall payloads may increase and offset the fuel
       economy improvements.
    c. Low Profile Radial or Wide Based Tires -- Research indicates that
       fuel economy can improve as much as 2% to 5% by using low profile
       and/or wide based tires and wheels.  Decreased weight and lower
       rolling resistance are the key contributors to fuel economy
       improvements.  

tips to increase fuel efficiency include not running the a/c, keeping your tires properly in flated and buying the proper gasoline.

i get slightly better mpg in my 2004 tl when i buy premium gas. my TL is rated at 18 city/26 highway and 21 combined. i average 23 mpg driving around town and such, but get close to 31mpg on the freeway on long trips.  
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I glad by read thanks for giving tip to increase fuel efficiency.....  

Running at highway speeds with windows closed & the A/C on recirculate will give better mileage & passenger comfort.  

The tips given for improve the efficiency are very good, the gear ratio is always causes the fuel consumption.

The fuel economy can be increase by driving in proper gear at the proper environment. Also the engine status like the condition of engine and other constrains also responsible for the fuel efficiency!  

I am happy after reading this post. Thanks for sharing.  
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