The cost of fuel is one of the most significant costs to any fleet owner. Fuel prices can fluctuate, so it can make it challenging to accurately budget for these costs. It’s important to find ways to save money on fuel that aren’t dependent on the fuel prices themselves.
You can save money on your fleet fuel costs by using fuel cards, staying current on maintenance, and replacing older vehicles with newer models that are more efficient. Here are some of the top ways to cut business fuel costs.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
Use Fuel Cards To Get Discounts
Fuel cards are prepaid cards that allow you to pay for the fuel at the pump. They’re a great option for businesses that have high fuel costs and want to reduce their expenses. They are prepaid gas cards for gas only so it ensures that your staff won’t accidentally charge other expenses on the card. It also helps to ensure that your drivers are not going over the budget allotted to them for fuel.
Make sure you use the right type of card and that your drivers know where they can purchase fuel when they are on the road. Some cards have limitations, so it’s best to train your staff properly to understand them.
Stay Current On Your Engine Maintenance
A well-maintained engine will get better gas mileage than one that needs some work. It’s important to change the oil and filter at the right mileage mark, perform fluid flushes, and more. Plus, you need to replace air filters and fuel filters and make sure that all the sensors are working properly. All of these things can ensure that you get the most life out of your engine and that you get better gas mileage.
Replace Older Vehicles With More Eco-Friendly Options
Choosing an eco-friendlier vehicle can be an excellent way to save money on fuel costs. In addition to being better for the environment, these cars and trucks will also use less gas and help you save money in the long run. Look at the miles per gallon rating of each vehicle you’re considering buying or leasing. The higher this number is, the more efficient your car will be when it comes to fuel consumption.
Optimize Your Route Planning
Optimize your route planning using GPS and other navigation tools. These can help you find the best way to get from point A to point B. These can help you save time and money. Nowadays Google even offers an option to show you the most eco-friendly route that reduces emissions. Another way to save on fuel costs is to avoid rush hour when possible so that your fleet drivers are not spending as much time idling.
Don’t Overload Your Vehicles
Overloading your vehicle can increase fuel consumption. This can be a significant cost to your business, especially if you have multiple vehicles that travel long distances to deliver goods or services. Overloading your vehicle will also reduce its safety and performance. If you don’t need to haul something around, don’t just store in in your fleet vehicles. Be intentional about the things that get hauled to and from places.
Put New Tires On Your Fleet
New tires improve gas mileage. If your vehicle is starting to consume more fuel suddenly and you’ve already taken care of other maintenance tasks, consider adding new tires to the mix. New tires add an extra layer of safety when you are driving on the road. If your tires are up-to-date and in good condition they will improve your fuel efficiency across your fleet of cars and trucks.
Reward Good Driving Habits
Sudden stops, revving the engine, and speeding can all reduce your gas mileage and cause more wear to your fleet vehicles. A fleet manager can take measures to reward good driving habits. These include rewarding drivers who don’t speed with bonuses at the end of the month. You can also reward fleet drivers who keep the interior of the vehicle clean and tidy.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that making these changes will save you big money in the long run especially as fuel costs go up. It’s also about being more environmentally friendly and helping your employees get home safely at night after a long day on the road.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
If you are interested in even more business-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
COMMENTS