Ways to Improve Your Diesel Truck’s Fuel Economy

With diesel fuel prices seemingly always going up and up, draining more and more of your fuel budget, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best economy possible while you’re driving your diesel truck. While you can’t do anything about the prices of oil, you can take some steps in your daily routine that will help cut down on fuel waste and increase your mileage.

Shift Progressively

When you shift gears, try to shift progressively and efficiently. Every time you change gears, it uses up fuel. As you brake, you’ll want to combine braking with shifting gears in order to slow down.

Keep Tires Inflated

One of the biggest ways that fuel is wasted is by driving on poorly inflated tires. Always check your tire pressure with a gauge before you travel and check it periodically during your trip. Refer to your diesel truck’s owner’s manual for the correct psi levels for your tires.

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that each tire is in good condition with sufficient tread to maintain traction on the road. Look for embedded objects that could be causing leaks and always promptly replace bad tires.

Find Points Programs

Some truck stops will offer a special point system program that allows you to collect points with every fuel-up that will result in discounts on fuel and other essential trucker commodities, such as shower credits, retail purchases, and even parking! All of this helps to save you money overall.

Don’t Speed

You might want to increase your truck’s speed to get where you’re going more quickly, but the faster you go, the more fuel you’re wasting. Diesel trucks get their best fuel economy when they’re driven no faster than 55 to 60 miles per hour. If there’s a head wind, slow down to around 50 miles per hour to increase engine efficiency.

Maintain Your Diesel Truck

Finally, it’s important to make sure you’re taking your diesel truck in for regular maintenance as often as it’s recommended. Oil changes, filter changes, spark plug replacements, and other standard upkeep tasks all help to keep your diesel truck operating as efficiently as possible so that you aren’t wasting fuel.

If you’d like assistance with maintaining your diesel truck, schedule an appointment with the service department here at Draco Isuzu Truck Center. We can address whatever issues you might be having and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

When you’re ready to check out our new and used diesel trucks for sale, visit our dealership in San Diego, CA, to view our inventory. We also provide financing and trade-in options to help you fund your purchase. Draco Isuzu Truck Center proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA.