OPERATION 295
FUEL ECONOMY DRIVING
General
The absolute fuel consumption (counted in liters per 100 kilometers or miles per US
gallon) is determined by a large number of circumstances which can be related to one of
the following main areas:
•
Build specification and equipment
•
Service and maintenance
•
External environment
•
Driving habits
Due to these factors, fuel consumption can vary considerably within what is called "normal
fuel consumption." Fuel consumption can vary from over 24 L/100 km (10 mpg) when
driving empty on a nice and dry summer road to 67 L/100 km (3.5 mpg) while driving with
maximum permitted GVW, with vehicle and trailer, on a hilly and slushy winter road.
Build Specification and Equipment
Whenever a vehicle is used for transportation, its build specification, equipment and gross
vehicle weight have a decisive effect on both fuel consumption and performance. The
factors which have the greatest influence on fuel consumption are primarily: driveline
combination, height of trailer or superstructure, use of air fairings, tire type, number of
wheels, gross vehicle weight, and accessories.
Driveline Combination
Engine, transmission and final drive must be selected in such a way that the engine can
operate within the economic speed range at normal driving speed. This range is defined as
where the engine makes the best use of the energy content of the diesel fuel.
A poorly selected rear axle ratio, which results in the engine speed being constantly above
the optimum speed, will increase fuel consumption.
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