Ameer Randolph
With diesel fuel prices on the rise, it is important to know how to save money on diesel fuel. There are several ways to increase the fuel efficiency of diesel engines, including driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and the use of technology. For example, reducing drag on tractor-trailers, utilizing cruise control, and maintaining proper tire pressure can all help to improve fuel efficiency. In addition, fuel cards and discounts, as well as choosing the right diesel fuel card for your business, can help save money on diesel fuel purchases.
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What You'll Learn
Use a fuel card to get discounts at participating fuel pumps
Fuel cards are a great way to save money on diesel fuel. They are a payment method for fuel at participating petrol stations. When the driver has refilled the vehicle, they can pay with their fuel card in the station. The company pays for the fuel when the invoice is received, usually on a bi-weekly or monthly basis.
There are different types of fuel cards, and they work differently depending on whether they have pump prices or weekly fixed prices. Cards with pump prices offer small discounts on pump prices every time you refill, especially at motorway stations. Cards with weekly fixed prices give you a weekly fixed price for fuel based on the oil market. This can be cheaper than regular pump prices, offering big discounts and letting you refill at the best time. However, it can also be the same as pump prices, offering no savings.
Some fuel cards offer higher discounts but come with additional restrictions, hidden fees, and restrictive policies. It is important to read the fine print before committing to a fuel card. Most fuel cards offer somewhere between 2 and 15 cents off per gallon. A discount of a couple of cents per gallon can add up quickly, especially if you have a fleet of vehicles.
AtoB fuel cards, for example, are accepted at 99% of truck stops and fueling stations nationwide. They can be used at big box stores and mom-and-pop truck stops. FleetOne cards can be used for both petrol and diesel and offer discounts of up to 10p per litre at supermarkets and bigger brands in the UK. Esso National cards offer discounts on pump prices or fixed prices for a week and can be used at all Esso stations across the UK, as well as BP and Shell.
In addition to fuel cards, there are also gas rewards credit cards that offer higher rewards rates when you purchase gas. Amazon Prime's new gas discount and the Blue Cash Preferred Card are some examples.
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Maintain proper tyre pressure to avoid losing fuel economy
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for extending the life of your tyres, improving vehicle safety, and maintaining fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. They wear more rapidly at the outer edges of the tread, necessitating sooner replacement. For every 10 psi a tyre is inflated under the recommended settings, trucks will lose 1% of their fuel economy.
To check your tyre pressure, you can use an automatic air compressor or a tyre pressure gauge. First, find the recommended psi in your manual or on a placard sticker, usually found on the vehicle's door. Next, remove the valve cap and press the gauge onto the valve stem to get a reading. Compare this with the recommended pressure, and if it is low, add air using a compressor; if high, release air. Repeat for all tyres, including the spare, and replace the valve caps securely.
You should regularly monitor your tyre pressure, checking at least once a month and before long trips. Tyre pressures will likely need to be higher on electric vehicles due to the added weight of the large batteries. That said, you should always follow the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure for the specific make and model of your vehicle, which will take into account these factors.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will not only help you save fuel but also improve your vehicle's performance and safety.
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Use cruise control for smoother driving and better fuel efficiency
Cruise control is a feature found in most modern vehicles. It allows drivers to set a desired speed for the vehicle to maintain automatically. Once activated, the system controls the throttle and keeps the vehicle at a steady pace without the need for continuous input from the driver. This eliminates fluctuations caused by human input, minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking that tend to waste fuel.
Advanced cruise control systems are predictive. They can optimise engine and travel speed based on the load and can dramatically boost efficiency. For example, cruise control can be beneficial when tackling uphill climbs if your vehicle has an adaptive system. More advanced technology can adjust throttle inputs and gear ratios more efficiently, optimising fuel consumption and power output during ascents.
However, cruise control may not be well-suited for all driving conditions. For instance, using cruise control in heavy traffic or on winding roads with multiple inclines and declines may not be the most fuel-efficient choice. These terrains require constant adjustments to maintain appropriate speeds through corners and manage changes in elevation effectively.
While cruise control can help improve fuel efficiency in certain situations, it is important to note that other factors also play a crucial role in achieving optimal fuel economy. These factors include vehicle maintenance, driving habits, and traffic conditions. Additionally, reducing drag on tractor-trailers and maintaining proper tyre pressure can also significantly impact fuel efficiency.
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Avoid idling, especially when warming up your vehicle
Idling your vehicle engine consumes a significant amount of diesel fuel, especially in larger vehicles. For instance, idling burns about three-quarters of a gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck. Therefore, it is essential to avoid excessive idling, especially when warming up your vehicle or making a brief stop.
Instead of idling your engine to warm up your vehicle, consider using alternative power sources, such as solar, wind, or tidal power, or opting for dockside power if accessible. These alternatives can provide the necessary power to warm up your vehicle without consuming valuable diesel fuel.
Additionally, installing a real-time monitor to track your miles per gallon can help you become more aware of your idling habits and encourage you to reduce idle time. This awareness can lead to improved fuel efficiency and cost savings over time.
To further enhance fuel efficiency, it is recommended to perform routine engine maintenance and keep your vehicle in optimal condition. This includes regularly changing fuel filters to remove unwanted particles, using fuel additives to clean engine parts, and maintaining proper tire pressure. By combining these practices with avoiding idling, you can significantly reduce diesel fuel consumption and improve the overall efficiency of your vehicle.
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Use apps to find the cheapest diesel fuel
There are several apps available that can help you find the cheapest diesel fuel. These apps can help you save money on your fuel purchases and locate the best prices in your area. Here are some apps that you can use:
GasBuddy
GasBuddy is a popular app that helps users find the cheapest gas stations in their area. The app provides real-time gas price information, allowing users to compare prices and find the best deals. In addition to the app, GasBuddy also offers a fuel card called "Pay with GasBuddy+™ card" that provides additional savings and discounts. The card is accepted at many stations, and users can earn "GasBack" to spend at the pump. GasBuddy users have reported significant savings, with some mentioning savings of up to 25 cents per gallon.
GetUpside
GetUpside is another app that helps users find fuel discounts. While it primarily focuses on gasoline prices, users can change the settings to display diesel prices as well. The app offers cashback rewards at select fuel stations, which can result in significant savings. However, it's important to note that GetUpside only displays prices for stores partnered with the app, so users may need to drive further to take advantage of the cashback offers.
PetrolPrices (UK only)
If you're based in the UK, the PetrolPrices app can help you find and compare petrol and diesel prices across the country. The app also offers additional features such as virtual garage management, discounts, and offers. The average PetrolPrices user can save over £200 on fuel per year.
Using these apps can help you make informed decisions about where to fill up, ensuring that you get the best value for your money and maximize your fuel savings.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to save money on diesel fuel:
- Use a fuel card program to get discounted prices on large amounts of fuel.
- Use apps like Upside or GasBuddy to find the cheapest price on diesel fuel.
- Maintain proper tire pressure.
- Use cruise control for smoother driving.
- Reduce drag by installing vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, and wheel covers.
Most fuel card programs offer a fuel discount option, in addition to tracking, reporting, and spending controls. Business owner-operators can get the best diesel price available using a discount fuel card. Drivers can use these cards to get the best fuel price, often the cash price, at participating fuel pumps.
Driving habits can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Idling burns about 3/4 gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck. Aggressive driving and inconsistent speeds can also lower fuel mileage. Utilizing cruise control and driving at speeds below 55 mph can improve fuel efficiency.
Routine engine maintenance can increase engine efficiency and improve fuel mileage. This includes regularly changing fuel filters to remove unwanted particles and using fuel additives to clean engine parts. High-quality fluids and synthetic oil can also improve fuel mileage in many diesel engines.
