How to Get the Most Out of Your Fuel

The most vital resource for any vehicle fleet is the fuel that powers it. Therefore, it is essential to employ effective fuel management systems when operating a successful vehicle fleet to optimise this critical resource and get the most out of it.

With fuel contributing to the most expensive expenditure every year, it is a constant goal for many fleet managers to find new ways of improving their fuel efficiency and limit these expenses. Fortunately, there are measures you can take, and with fuel management systems you can invest in, they will help you reach this goal.

Fuel Management Metrics

Tracking specific metrics across your fleet is an excellent way to reduce fuel expenses. Many metrics available can assist you, especially in conjunction with a fuel management system. You can use maintenance, driver and asset metrics, but the one most relevant to optimising your fuel use is the cost metrics.

Despite the long-term savings you’ll receive from choosing onsite fuel storage, fuel will still be a significant expense for your fleet. Asset utilisation with your fuel and vehicles is a crucial cost metric to monitor. By monitoring the average hours of use (or miles per day), you can keep a closer eye on the status of your vehicles and assist in planning your regular maintenance schedule. Engines in the best condition will use fuel more efficiently than engines that require repairs.

GPS and Telematics data is another metric that can help you optimise your fuel usage. For example, when planning out your routes for your fleet’s operations, you can make significant savings for your fuel usage by embracing GPS systems that will provide the most optimum way for your drivers to take.

This can be enhanced by monitoring those activities with an inbuilt telematics device that can monitor and relay the odometer readings of its vehicle. Alternatively, you can observe the odometer by hand after each job and implement a training program centred around fuel-efficient driving.

Practical Solutions

Encouraging your drivers with monthly goals for reduced fuel consumption will create a fleet that thrives on economical driving behaviours. This will eliminate costly routes and vehicle idling and save you valuable fuel.

Similar to checking the engine, monitoring the tyre pressure of your vehicles shouldn’t be overlooked when conducting maintenance inspections. Fully pumped tyres will allow the vehicle to operate more efficiently and save fuel. For example, if a tyre’s air pressure is even 2.9 PSI too low, the vehicle’s fuel consumption will increase by 10%.

Domed roof hoods are a relatively recent invention for saving fuel. There are significant savings to be had by reducing the wind resistance of your HGVs with a more aerodynamic design.

Another solution to saving fuel is by using air conditioning during the warmer seasons. It is a more efficient use of fuel than driving with open windows. When travelling at high speeds, the open windows will create drag and make the vehicle use more power to keep up to speed, whereas air conditioning will allow the windows to remain closed and support the vehicle streamlining.

Pairing Fuel Monitoring With Fuel Management

At first glance, it may seem like a fuel monitoring solution and a fuel management system are the same, but they have distinct roles in helping you optimise your fuel usage.

We have provided high-quality fuel monitoring systems to a broad range of clients with varying size fleets. Products like our FT4000AB have been a popular solution for allowing managers to monitor the fleet’s fuel usage. Our range of pumps comes with an in-built fuel access control terminal (FACT) that documents the fuel used and can be set up to operate only when provided with sufficient authorisation.

Fuel management can be employed thanks to our complete fuel management package successfully. Keeping fuel onsite with one of our fuel storage tanks allows you to attain full control of your precious fuel. Without a fuel management system, you will have to rely on drivers filling up at public petrol stations, which can be unpredictable in terms of expenses and travel times. Embracing onsite fuel tanks combined with effective fuel monitoring systems creates a system of complete control that you can use to see exactly how much fuel is being used by which driver, and you can even acquire it at wholesale prices to optimise your usage as far as it can go. It can also prevent unnecessary stops for your drivers, offering a more streamlined travel process. It can also be monitored through our unique TankWatch fuel tank monitoring system wirelessly.

Getting the most out of your fuel isn’t just limited to its authorised use either. Ensuring that your fuel stock is only being used for your fleet operations and is not stolen is the most significant way to optimise your fuel usage. The TankWatch monitoring system provides real-time reports of your current fuel stock levels through a wireless connection. It can also alert you to ullages and stock usage, either planned or unplanned, thereby alerting you to any potential theft.

Professional Fuel Management Solutions

 

Fueltek specialises in commercial refuelling monitoring and management. We understand the considerable costs of providing fuel for your fleet, and we pride ourselves on providing the most effective solutions on the market.

Browse our catalogue of products online to learn more about how we could help you get the most out of your fuel.