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Hauling during peak summer heat burns fuel faster. Between cranking the A/C, engine fans running nonstop, and heavy loads in sweltering temperatures, summer can wreak havoc on your MPG. Good news is, you’ve got options! With the right tools and a few smart habits, you can keep cool and cut fuel costs.
At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we help drivers improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort or performance. Here’s what really matters when temperatures rise:
Running your air conditioner in the summer is a necessity — but it comes at a cost. Cooling the cab in warm temperatures puts added stress on the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption, especially in older trucks or those with worn HVAC components. Hot weather also speeds up fuel evaporation, particularly in older models with less efficient systems, causing you to lose diesel before it even hits the engine. And when temperatures hit their highs, engine efficiency drops. Cooling systems work harder, performance suffers, and fuel burns less quickly.
Efficiency Tip: Keep your HVAC systems well-maintained so that even when you need a constant stream of air conditioning to cool you down, your engine’s efficiency isn’t completely compromised.
Should you idle or use an APU? It depends on your truck.
An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) powers your HVAC and electrical systems without running the main engine. Ideal for long-haul drivers and sleeper cab use, APUs are especially useful during overnight rest and in extreme weather conditions. By cutting down on idling, an APU can save up to one gallon of diesel per hour.
An Idle Management System (IMS) runs your air conditioning and heat using stored battery power instead of idling the engine. Some Kenworth and other truck brands include these auto-start/stop idle systems that monitor and maintain cab temperature and battery levels. By avoiding engine idling, the IMS can save thousands of gallons of fuel annually and reduce your truck’s carbon footprint.
Efficiency Tip: If you’ve got both systems, make sure your truck prioritizes the APU over idle time. It saves fuel and reduces wear on your engine.
Heavy cargo loads obviously cost you fuel, but the placement of that cargo matters too. Balanced loads minimize drag and reduce weight load on the engine, which helps with both temperature control and fuel efficiency. Overweight rear axles create rolling resistance, which burns more diesel mile after mile. Uneven or top-heavy cargo can also contribute to more frequent engine fan cycles, burning more fuel and stressing your cooling system.
Efficiency Tip: Load your heaviest freight low and center it over the drive axles. This will give you smoother handling and better fuel economy on those hot, long hauls.
Your truck runs smarter than you think! Many Kenworth and other newer-model trucks include built-in fuel economy features that can sometimes be overlooked or underused.
In Kenworth trucks, Predictive Cruise Control uses GPS and terrain data to anticipate hills and curves. It then adjusts the speed and throttle automatically to maintain momentum and reduce unnecessary fuel use. Neutral Coast Mode automatically shifts into neutral on slight descents to reduce engine drag, which saves fuel on rolling terrain. In the Engine Fan Settings, adjustable fan thresholds can prevent unnecessary, excessive fan cycling that burns fuel.
Additionally, some trucks include aerodynamic body enhancements like grille shutters, fairings, side extenders, and more to help save fuel, especially driving on long stretches of highway. Design elements including rounded edges, smooth body panels, and lightweight materials, contribute to decreased overall vehicle weight, reduced wind resistance, and maintained speed with less energy.
Efficiency Tip: Take full advantage of your truck’s built-in fuel saving technologies and designs. When properly configured and maintained, these features can contribute to fuel savings without changing your driving habits.
Hot weather doesn’t have to mean high fuel costs. Fuel is one of the largest expenses in trucking and these helpful tips can contribute to maximizing fuel economy. With smart HVAC use, optimized load distribution, and anti-idling systems, and fuel efficiency tech, you can minimize summer fuel waste without sweating the extra dollars.
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Updated: June 24, 2025
As of June 13, 2025, Kenworth has removed all sales restrictions in every state, except California, that were previously mandated under the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Low-NOx Omnibus Regulations. This change follows President Trump’s recent signing that overturned those EPA rules.
Since California is continuing to enforce both regulations, Kenworth will maintain the zero-emissions sales requirements, including ACT sales mandates, Low NOx Omnibus engine standards, and clean idle labeling.
Effective May 22, 2025, the U.S. Senate has revoked the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. Additionally, they reversed California’s EPA waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II and the Omnibus Low-NOX regulation.
According to TPS, “The U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 87 and 89 Thursday (May 22), which would revoke EPA waivers granted to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2024 for its low-NOx Omnibus and Advanced Clean Trucks rules.” (Source) With the Senate approving these two House resolutions, they have effectively halted the state’s push to ban diesel trucks and mandate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Earlier the same day, the Senate also voted to overturn California’s ZEV mandate for the automotive industry.
Both regulations, which went into effect last year, aimed to tighten emissions standards in the trucking industry. The ACT rule required truck manufacturers to ensure a certain percentage of their sales were zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), while the Omnibus rule required new diesel engines meet stricter greenhouse gas emission limits, exceeding current federal EPA standards.
While the Senate’s revocation of California’s ACT rule directly targets that state, the impact affects the other states that have adopted the same regulations. Among the states affected are Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. (Source)
Long-term financing on a Kenworth truck can be a game-changer for both drivers and fleet owners.
It is a valuable option for truck drivers looking to invest in a dependable, high-performance vehicle without the burden of a large upfront payment. With flexible payment options, financing allows drivers to maintain cash flow for other daily expenses and unexpected costs. It also supports long-term growth for business and fleet owners. This article explores the key benefits of long-term financing and why it’s an essential strategy for many in the trucking industry.
Financing allows a buyer to pay off the amount of a new truck over time instead of making a large, all-in payment. This preserves cash flow for other essential business needs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. This approach helps ensure that you and your business have the funds needed for daily operations while allowing you to use your new truck right away.
Financing offers the chance to invest in newer, more efficient models, such as the Kenworth T680 and T880, which might be out of reach with an upfront payment. These newer trucks deliver better fuel economy, reduced maintenance costs, and advanced technology features. Additionally, investing in new Kenworth trucks provides a safer, more comfortable driving experience, which can boost productivity and profitability.
Predictable monthly payments help with budgeting by providing a recurring monthly expense. Consistent payments help with financial planning by reducing the risk of erratic overspending. On top of that, this reliability helps build trust with lenders, which could open the door to better financing options and terms in the future.
Consistently making loan payments on time helps build both personal and business credit. A strong credit history can lead to better terms on future loans, lower interest rates, and access to larger lines of credit. Want to know if your credit score will secure you a commercial vehicle loan? Find out now.
For first-time buyers or borrowers with a limited credit history, regular monthly financing will help build a positive payment history. For tips on how to finance with less-than-perfect credit, read this blog.
Securing financing for your truck eliminates the need for a substantial upfront payment. Depending on your personal financial situation, a buyer typically only needs to make a small down payment, which can be influenced by factors such as credit score, income level, loan terms, and the lender’s requirements. This option is particularly appealing for people that may not have a large amount of cash available for an outright purchase, or someone who wants to build their borrowing history.
Financing can protect buyers from the impacts of inflation. By locking in fixed monthly payments, you can avoid potential increases in truck prices and unforeseen interest rate hikes. As inflation rises, the value of fixed payments decreases in real terms, which means businesses are effectively paying less over time while benefiting from using the truck at today’s costs. This financial advantage is valuable, especially in uncertain economic environments where inflation may cause increased operating costs.
Building a financing history is essential for drivers looking to buy a Kenworth truck because it can ensure their ability to secure a loan. Having a positive financing history helps secure better loan terms, higher credit limits, trust with a lender, simpler qualification process, as well as improve business credibility. Lenders are more likely to offer favorable terms, like lower interest rates and reduced down payments, to borrowers with a proven track record of timely payments. Not only does a strong financing history reflect positively on your business, but it can improve your business credit score which can develop trust with a lender.
Financing with Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth can offer financial flexibility, improve cash flow management, and help acquire access to high-quality, reliable trucks that contribute to long-term growth. It’s a strategic choice for many buyers, allowing them to expand their operations without the upfront financial burden.
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The commercial trucking industry has been preparing for a surge in truck orders ahead of the EPA’s 2027 emissions regulations. But now, with the implementation of those emissions rules on hold, what does that mean for the prebuy?
“Prebuy” refers to the increase in orders of new diesel-powered Class 8 trucks ahead of a major regulatory or technological change. It’s a way for fleets and owner-operators to avoid higher vehicle prices and potential risks from unproven new emissions technology.
Historically, every time the EPA has introduced a major emissions rule — like in 2007, 2010, and 2017 — truck buyers rushed to make their purchases before the regulations took effect. The same was expected for 2025–2026, as manufacturers prepared to meet what were expected to be the strictest diesel exhaust regulations in U.S. history.
Fleets were preparing to prebuy 2025 and 2026 trucks to secure diesel-powered trucks before 2027 models included new emissions technology. They’re an attractive option since they won’t cost as much as the model year 2027 and exclude the additional expense expected from the emission-compliant systems.
Based on previous market performance, many industry analysts were confident that there was a major commercial prebuy on the horizon. Manufacturers like Kenworth, Mack, Detroit, Cummins, and Paccar had already been redesigning their engines to meet those standards. And while the newer equipment promised better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions, it also came with higher production costs.
With the EPA’s Clean Truck regulations paused by the Trump Administration, the pressure to prebuy has dwindled. Without a clear timeline or final ruling, the urgency around early purchases has faded. At the same time, higher steel and aluminum tariffs are adding cost pressures that still make prebuying relevant, even if emissions rules are delayed or changed.
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. increased tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%. These materials are essential to truck manufacturing, so higher costs and regulatory changes for OEMs may still push increased truck prices to the buyer with or without the combined EPA rules and tariffs in place.
According to ACT Research and Equipment Finance News, prices are rising overall for trucks, trailers, and aftermarket parts. Upon being surveyed, more than half of fleet managers believe these tariffs will have long-term effects on equipment costs and order timing.
Industry experts say some prebuying already happened in 2023 and 2024. But the full-scale rush expected in mid-2025 hasn’t happened yet. Instead, demand may spread more evenly over the next few years as fleet purchasers wait for clarity on emissions rules, pricing, and material costs.
In the meantime, everyone in the trucking industry should keep an eye on:
As we look towards the future, stay informed. Fleets that delay too long could still face rising prices due to tariffs and tech upgrades, even if the emissions rules are relaxed. Planning ahead for yourself and your business is key.
