5 Ways to Improve Your Semi Truck’s Efficiency

On-road costs can quickly eat into your profits. For many drivers, this makes it harder to stay on top of bills, maintenance, and other capital needs. Anything that improves your truck’s overall efficiency or lowers your operating costs will be good for not only your truck, but your wallet too.

While there are some quick ways to cut costs upfront, those savings only go so far. Here are five strategies to improve your truck’s fuel economy, lower expenses, and optimize your productivity for the long haul.

Semi Truck Efficiency Tips You Should Know

1. Have a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Routine maintenance is the single most important way to keep your vehicle operating efficiently. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, and tire inspections can all improve your fuel economy and prevent costly breakdowns.

Poor truck maintenance directly impacts your fuel consumption. Issues like under-inflated tires or clogged air filters force your engine to work harder than necessary, leading to hidden fuel losses and added costs.

Trucking Tip: Take advantage of our service specials at our commercial truck service centers to keep your maintenance up to date without breaking the bank.

2. Use Smart Technology

Modern semi trucks offer a host of built-in technology like driver-assist systems to help you monitor truck performance, stay safe, and focus on the road. For example, Kenworth’s 15-inch digital display gives you real-time alerts, adaptive controls, and diagnostic updates all in one place for a quick glance at critical information. Plus, the Smart Wheel puts key functional controls at your fingertips for easy access while driving.

Trucking Tip: Use Kenworth’s Nav+ HD navigation system and predictive cruise control to cut down on idle time, avoid traffic delays, and boost MPG.

3. Reduce Idle Time

Excess idling burns through fuel and speeds up engine wear. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “idling a heavy-duty truck consumed about 0.8 gallon of fuel per hour.” (Source) Shutting down your engine during extended breaks or loading can save you more on fuel and maintenance costs. Plus, running the air conditioning while idling increases fuel consumption even more. To stay comfortable without running the engine, consider investing in idle-reduction tools like APUs, espar bunk heaters, or generators.

Trucking Tip: Fuel up at cooler times of the day, like early morning or late evening, to reduce evaporation. Also, avoid overfilling your tank to prevent spillage and vapor loss.

4. Lighten Your Load

The heavier your truck, the more fuel it burns. Every 100 pounds of extra weight on your truck can reduce your MPG by up to 2%. (Source) Any sort of weight reduction will help improve your fuel economy mile after mile. Review what you’re carrying and remove non-essential tools, spare parts, or excess cargo from your cab or trailer.

Trucking Tip: Consider switching to lightweight components like aluminum wheels or add aerodynamic enhancements to reduce drag and improve MPG.

5. Track Your Performance Metrics

Tracking your truck’s performance metrics helps you make data-driven decisions about maintenance, fuel use, and driving habits. In Kenworth trucks, the dashboard is the hub that keeps drivers connected, informed, and in control. You can monitor:

• Average fuel economy (MPG)
• Trip-specific fuel economy data
• Idle time starts
• Maintenance alerts and warnings
• Real-time driving behaviors (feedback on coasting, braking, and engine brake usage)

The more you know about your truck’s performance, the easier it is to boost your efficiency and cut operating costs.

Trucking Tip: Review your driving summary after every trip. Even small changes – like smoother acceleration, less idling, more controlled braking – can result in long-term fuel savings.

Improving Your Semi Truck’s Performance

Your truck is built for optimal performance, but it’s up to you to take advantage of its full potential. Boosting your on-road efficiency doesn’t require any major overhauls, just smarter adjustments and consistent habits. These five simple strategies can make a big difference in lowering your fuel costs, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of your truck.