Reduce Your Fuel Costs This Winter
It’s that time of the year again when weather conditions can change on a dime without notice, from mild and warm temperatures, to viciously cold and snowy. One thing you can count on this winter is that harsh operating conditions will happen fast, so you must be prepared.
Winter operations mean more fuel consumption, so here to help you are five recommendations to maximize your fuel investment during cold weather.
- Train and educate your drivers: Your drivers can control fuel consumption each time they fire up their engines. Proper training can improve fuel efficiency, economy and emissions.
- Use Fuel Management Online Software: FMO is an exclusive web portal from 4Refuel that puts you in touch with all the fuel consumption data you will need to cut your fuel expenses.
- Decrease Idling: Be aware of the time engines idle. Excessive idling adds to your fuel costs by as much as 50% and can shorten the life of engine oil by 75%, adding even more costs. Initiate a campaign to reduce idling time and reward participants.
- Upgrade your Fleet: Whenever possible, invest in modern, fuel-efficient vehicles. Modern diesel engines are far more fuel-efficient and perform better with ultra low sulphur diesel. Measure each piece of equipment for fuel efficiency and get rid of the bad ones!
- Service your fleet regularly: This includes having a stringent, well-managed maintenance policy. Regular tire pressure checks can help you cut fuel, too. A well-maintained vehicle performs better, improves fuel efficiency, reduces toxic emissions and, in the long run, will cost less to maintain.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to notice fuel savings. Remember, the more you know about your fuel consumption, the more you can reduce and control it.
Stay warm!