Page 88 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual

chapter 4 — fuel-efficient driving

Aerodynamics should also be considered when loading flatbed trailers and
fast fact flat deck trucks. Keeping the load low and covering it with a tarpaulin improve
aerodynamics and help reduce fuel consumption.
Aerodynamic drag is
increased if any of the Tire choice
wheels on a tractor-trailer
combination aren’t properly Tires with a rib tread design are more fuel efficient than tires with a lug tread
aligned and tracking parallel design on drive and steering axles.
to the direction of travel.
Also consider super-single tires rather than dual tires on the drive axles. Super-
single tires provide low rolling resistance, are lighter and lower vehicle height.

Ribbed tire tread design Lugged tire tread Super-single tire

Accessories
Choose and use accessories to improve productivity and fuel efficiency:
• Oil pan heaters and block heaters help with cold starting and ensure the
engine oil circulates better when the engine is started.
• Fuel heaters prevent fuel gelling in cold weather.
• Thermostatically controlled engine fans, winter grille covers, battery
blankets and in-cab auxiliary heaters conserve engine heat in cold weather.
On-board computers that can monitor fuel consumption are available for new
trucks and may be added to older trucks. They can help you drive in the most
fuel-efficient way.

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