Vehicle Maintenance to Conserve Fuel

A comprehensive vehicle maintenance strategy can help fleet managers and drivers conserve fuel. Your fleet may already rely on these practices to ensure vehicle efficiency.

Proper Tire Inflation

Properly inflated tires last longer and increase fuel economy. Every decrease in pressure by 1 pound per square inch for four tires can decrease fuel economy by 0.3%. Some fleets use nitrogen inflation, tire pressure monitoring systems, and other technologies to maintain optimum tire pressure.

Recommended Motor Oil

Fleets can improve fuel economy by 1%-2% using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can decrease fuel economy by 1%-2%. Similarly, using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can decrease fuel economy by 1%-1.5%. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommend grade of motor oil.

Motor oil labeled "Energy Conserving" in the performance information contains friction-reducing additives that improve fuel economy.

Engine Tune-Ups

Regular engine tune-ups ensure that your vehicle is running efficiently and can save you time and money in the long run. Tuning a neglected vehicle or fixing one that failed an emissions test can increase fuel economy by 4%, based on the repair type and quality. Repairing a serious problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can increase fuel economy by 40%. See your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on when to get tune-ups.