7 Effective Ways to Fuel-Saving Strategies and Prevent Diesel Leaks

Fuel costs, such as diesel or dex, are one of the largest operational expenditures (OPEX) for buses. Even the slightest waste in fuel consumption can lead to significant losses over a year. Therefore, fuel efficiency must be addressed from two primary perspectives: the technical (engine and vehicle) and the managerial (driver and system) aspects. Digital solutions such as Fleet Management Systems are key to monitoring and enforcing sustainable fuel efficiency policies. Get to know more about fuel-saving strategies in this TransTRACK article!

Technical Strategy: Vehicle Optimization for Bus Fuel Efficiency

Optimizing a vehicle for bus fuel efficiency is inseparable from the physical condition of the bus itself. Components such as the engine, injection system, tire pressure, and aerodynamics directly impact fuel consumption. Therefore, to ensure every part of the vehicle is functioning optimally, regular and thorough inspections of each component are necessary. Here are some technical strategies that can be implemented:

Periodic & Preventive Machine Maintenance

Tire Pressure and Condition

Aerodynamics and Payload

• Minimizing wind resistance:

• Avoid installing unnecessary roof accessories
• Use an aerodynamic and functional body or roof design
• Avoid overloading:

• Adjust the number of passengers and load weight according to standard capacity.
• Overloading can significantly increase fuel consumption.

Managerial Strategy: Controlling Human and Operational Factors

Bus fuel efficiency can be determined by many factors, not only vehicle condition but also driver behavior and route selection. Drivers who are undisciplined in speed, braking, or idling can lead to drastic fuel consumption. Therefore, managerial strategies focused on driver monitoring and route optimization can be crucial for more effective control of human and operational variables. Here are some managerial strategies that can be implemented:

Reduce Idling (Engine Running Without Moving)

Implementing Efficient Driving Techniques (Eco-Driving)

• Avoid aggressive and uncontrolled driving behavior (hard braking, overspeeding, and harsh acceleration)
• Encourage drivers to maintain a steady speed
• Using Fleet Management System technology as a monitoring tool through the Driver Behavior Scoring feature.

Route Optimization

• Using the shortest or fastest route supported by real-time data (avoiding the use of congested and damaged roads)

Technology Solution: Stopping Bus Fuel Leaks with a Fleet Management System

Fuel leaks, whether intentional or unintentional, are a serious obstacle to bus operations and can lead to company losses. In this digital era, TransTRACK’s Fleet Management System offers a modern solution capable of monitoring fuel consumption in real-time and accurately, as well as detecting anomalies. With advanced features such as fuel sensors, GPS, and an analytical dashboard, TransTRACK helps companies curb waste and ensure optimal efficiency.

Precision Fuel Sensor (Fuel Monitoring System)

• Role: Sensor mounted directly on the bus tank to accurately measure fuel volume
• Benefit: Detects abnormal fuel volume reduction (indication of theft or diesel fuel leakage) and provides filling and usage reports (based on real-time, unbiased data)

Real-Time Driver Behavior Monitoring

• Role: Using fleet management system data to provide evaluation, assessment, and scoring of driver behavior.
• Benefit: Provides accurate data on each driver’s driving behavior to determine the appropriate training for each individual.

Automatic Fuel Consumption Report

• Role: Fleet Management System provides fuel usage reports per kilometer for each bus
• Comparing performance between units
• Identifying buses that need their engines checked

Technology Solution: Stopping Bus Fuel Leaks with a Fleet Management System

Bus fuel leaks, whether intentional or unintentional, pose a serious threat to bus operations, directly impacting company losses. In today’s digital era, TransTRACK’s Fleet Management System offers an integrated solution that can help monitor fuel consumption in real time and detect irregularities. Here are some of the advantages of utilizing a Fleet Management System in bus operations:

Precision Fuel Sensor (Fuel Monitoring System)

• Role: A sensor mounted directly on the bus tank to accurately measure fuel volume and present the data in real-time.
• Benefit:Detects abnormal fuel consumption (indication of theft/diesel leakage) and provides unbiased fill vs consumption reports.

Real-Time Driver Behavior Monitoring

• Role:Using FMS data to provide driver behavior scores
• Benefit:Provide accurate data evidence per driver (who uses the most fuel and wastes money due to speeding) for evaluation and determining appropriate training.

Automatic Fuel Consumption Report

• Role:FMS provides liters per kilometer (L/KM) reports per bus to compare performance between units and identify which buses may require a technical inspection.

Conclusion

Bus fuel efficiency efforts cannot be achieved solely by relying on a single aspect; they require a combination of operational discipline and appropriate technological support. These efforts include routine vehicle maintenance, efficient driving behavior, and real-time monitoring to prevent fuel leaks or waste. With this holistic approach, companies can maintain efficiency, reduce costs, and sustainably increase fleet profitability.

Don’t let your diesel fuel costs spiral out of control. Take proactive steps to safeguard your fuel and profits. Contact TransTRACK for a demo of our Fleet Management System today.

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