As a truck driver, when you’re doing a long haul across Ontario and beyond, fuel is one of your biggest expenses, and every dollar you save goes straight to your bottom line. But with so many tips and products claiming to help, how do you know what actually works?
The Long-Haul Driver’s Guide to Saving Fuel and Reducing Costs
At Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, Truck Wash & Truck Stop, we work with drivers every day who are focused on maximizing their mileage and saving where it counts. Here are some of the most effective, proven ways to save fuel on long hauls:
1. Keep Tire Pressure in Check
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Checking tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips, is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency.
👉 Pro tip: Use a reliable tire gauge and make sure tires are inflated to manufacturer specifications for your load and season.
2. Manage Your RPMs
Running your engine at optimal RPMs for fuel economy (often referred to as "running in the green") helps reduce unnecessary fuel burn.
- High revving wastes fuel.
- Staying in the right gear for highway speeds minimizes strain on your engine.
👉 Pro tip: Use cruise control on flat stretches whenever possible to maintain consistent speeds.
3. Consider Fuel Additives
Quality fuel additives can help clean your fuel system, improve combustion, and reduce deposits in your engine. While they’re not a magic fix, regular use can help maintain engine efficiency over time.
👉 Ask us about trusted fuel additive options when you stop in.
4. Choose Premium Diesel
Not all diesel is created equal. Premium diesel burns cleaner, improves combustion, and can boost fuel economy by helping prevent injector deposits and reducing wear.
👉 At Marshall Fuels Petro Pass, we proudly offer Premium Diesel formulated for better performance, cleaner emissions, and improved mileage, especially important for long hauls across Ontario’s varied terrain.
5. Lighten the Load
Every extra pound your truck carries requires more fuel. Evaluate what’s in your cab and cargo area; removing unnecessary weight can make a surprising difference over time.
6. Take Advantage of Decelerating
According to the Government of Canada’s Fuel-efficient driving techniques, they explain that “Every time you use your brakes, you waste your forward momentum. By looking ahead at how traffic is behaving, you can often see well in advance when it’s time to slow down. You will conserve fuel and save money by taking your foot off the accelerator and coasting to slow down instead of using your brakes.”
Furthermore, they suggest taking this free online ecoDriving course to learn more about how fuel-efficient driving can help you save money.
🛠 Bonus Tip: Keep Your Truck Maintained
A well-maintained truck is a fuel-efficient truck. Dirty air filters, misaligned wheels, and neglected oil changes can all cost you at the pump.
👉 Need a wash? A clean truck reduces drag and helps with cooling—another small way to boost efficiency. Visit our Truck Wash while you’re here!