Fuel Efficiency Archives - A1 Emergency Roadside Service

August 23, 2022

Why Semi Trucks Use Diesel Fuel Instead of Gasoline

Semi trucks use diesel fuel, which has a higher energy density than gasoline, allowing semi trucks to carry more cargo with less fuel and making long-distance shipping more feasible than it would be with gas. But just how does that work? What makes diesel different from gas, and what does it mean for you? Read on to find out!

What To Know About Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel is a liquid petroleum product which burns with greater efficiency than gasoline. When heated, the molecules in diesel vaporize more quickly and produce more power, increasing the thermal efficiency of the engine by 12% to 20%. Diesel engines are also usually heavier and have a higher power-to-weight ratio than gasoline engines do. Diesel fuels typically have a cetane number (a measure of ignition quality) in the range of 50 to 100, while gasoline usually has numbers between 45 and 55. Therefore, even though you may think that diesel’s heavy molecules would make it harder for them to ignite, they actually burn much better.

The two major types of diesel fuel include:

Ultra low sulfur diesel – this type was introduced after the Clean Air Act was passed as a way to meet emissions standards. It also includes 2 other types:
Biodiesel – this is produced from plant oils and then blended into conventional diesel
Biofuel – this type of green alternative can be made from animal fats or organic waste products

Why Semi Trucks Use Diesel Fuel

Semi Trucks use diesel fuel because it’s efficient, powerful, and low-maintenance. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines can carry heavier loads for greater distances with fewer refueling stops. Diesel is also a little cheaper in comparison to gasoline. Diesel fuel needs to be refined so it will not solidify at cold temperatures and has much better lubricating properties. It also offers more torque for climbing hills. Diesel fuel takes up less space per gallon than gasoline does, which means that trucks can carry more gallons of diesel than they could of gasoline. Another reason why the truck industry has switched to diesel fuels is the regulation on engine emissions.

Better Fuel Efficiency Means Less Stops

Semi truck drivers tend to go through more gas than their passenger car counterparts. It’s not unheard of for a single truck to go through three times the amount of fuel as a single car over a one-thousand mile distance. Why is this the case? As it turns out, there are many contributing factors that come into play. Semi trucks are much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles on the market, which leads to greater consumption per mile traveled. Additionally, they may be carrying various types of goods throughout their journey in order to accommodate what customers need – this requires more time on the road in general and puts increased strain on the engine.

How Long Does A Diesel Engine Last?

A diesel engine can last up to 18,000 hours if it’s well maintained. However, if it’s not well maintained and doesn’t get the necessary attention from a technician, then the engine may be in for a short life span. A common cause for frequent replacement of a failed engine is due to worn down bearings that can’t be replaced. Replacement of bearings is expensive and takes up valuable time for any trucking company trying to remain competitive in the industry today. The amount of wear can vary from engine to engine depending on various factors such as age, condition of fluid, average mileage and how well the truck is driven and maintained.

Need Semi Engine Repair? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!

If you’re in need of semi truck engine repair or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.

Fuel Efficiency

August 17, 2022

When Should You Change The Oil In A Semi Truck?

Changing the oil in your semi truck regularly has several benefits. Not only does it keep the engine from burning oil, which reduces fuel costs, but it also prevents sludge buildup that can damage the truck’s engine over time. The exact schedule for changing your semi truck’s oil will vary depending on how much you drive and other variables, but this general guide should help get you started on finding the right schedule for your driving habits and needs.

Significance Of Semi Truck Engine Oil

Semi truck engine oil is responsible for creating a safe, protective seal on pistons and other moving components. To create this seal, the oil needs to be full of lubricant that is suspended in a base fluid – commonly referred to as the lubricating layer. This layer helps prevent abrasion and overheating. To accomplish this, the oil needs to contain an appropriate concentration of clean base fluid and enough anti-wear additive so that it can provide what’s needed to perform as necessary in adverse conditions such as high temperatures.

How Often Should You Check the Oil On A Semi Truck?

Every truck owner should know how often they should change the oil in their semi truck. Here is what the experts say is recommended: you need to change your truck’s oil every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first). Oil will provide better protection for your engine if it doesn’t break down. With proper maintenance, you’ll avoid costly and time-consuming repairs. Changing your truck’s oil regularly can help protect your investment by saving wear and tear on major components. Not to mention that changing your vehicle’s oil on a regular basis can help increase fuel efficiency!

Reasons To Check Your Oil More Often

There are times when it’s more critical than ever before to check your truck’s oil level, such as after a long haul where it may have not been changed in awhile, or if there was recent weather where there was low visibilities. If you know you’ll be driving through high altitudes and the temperature is below 30 degrees Farenheit, be sure to change your oil for the best performance. Changing the oil can also be necessary anytime you notice sludge on the ground under your engine, noticeable black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, or an oily sheen on top of the engine bay.

What Happens If You Don't Change Oil Often Enough?

If you keep putting off changing your truck’s oil, the fuel could start to oxidize in your engine and lead to very serious engine damage. Depending on how often you drive, the oxidation process might take less than one year or it might take as long as two or three years before the fuel starts to affect the quality of your oil. If you don’t have any history of changes done on your vehicle and are experiencing performance problems, it is probably best to schedule an appointment with a mechanic to find out if something is wrong with your truck.

Need a Semi Truck Oil Change? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!

If you’re in need of a semi truck oil change or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.

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Fuel Efficiency

August 9, 2022

What is the Most Fuel Efficient Semi Truck?

There are quite a few factors to consider when trying to determine which semi truck might be the most fuel efficient on the road today. Since there are so many different models, it’s hard to know where to start; that’s why we’ve compiled this list of key elements to consider when choosing which semi truck will save you the most money in the long run. We’ll look at things like engine type, aerodynamics, and how each truck performs on the highway, helping you identify which might be the most fuel efficient semi truck for your business!

What Are The Different Types of Semi Trucks?

Semi trucks are made up of four main types: a day cab, a flatbed, a straight truck and an tractor-trailer. The type of truck that you use will depend on what you are using it for. A day cab truck is usually used to carry small loads because it can’t carry as much as other types of semi trucks. A flatbed is used when you want to transport cargo such as lumber or tools and need to keep them elevated off the ground in order to prevent damage. A straight truck is typically seen transporting cargo like produce that has been packed together, which means these types of trucks require less space in order to load their payloads.

What Factors Affect MPG (Miles Per Gallon)?

Driving conditions, type of freight being hauled, weight of trailer being pulled and fuel efficiency of the engine are all factors that can have an impact on a semi truck’s MPG. The type of cargo also influences MPG, with liquid bulk carrying (i.e., transporting products like oil) often yielding lower efficiencies than loads which carry other products such as paper, flour or clothing. Cargo weight is another factor to consider: it has been shown that a lighter load yields better gas mileage.

What Kind Of Energy Source Should I Use For My Truck?

There are three main energy sources that are used for semi trucks: diesel, biodiesel, and CNG. Diesel has a range of 32 to 35 miles per gallon, while biodiesel ranges between 40 and 50 miles per gallon. CNG is more popular in Canada and Europe and can go up to 65 miles per gallon of fuel. Biopower is also a form of renewable energy that many companies are looking into; it uses organic materials like corn to fuel vehicles like semis.

The deciding factor will be based on what your specific company’s needs are, as well as what kind of vehicle you’re looking for (tractor-trailer vs truck-trailer). Knowing this information beforehand will make the process easier when it comes time to start sourcing a new vehicle.

What Is An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)?

An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is an electric motor driven device, often installed on a truck. It operates as a backup power supply during engine idle, as an engine driven air compressor in the cabin while the vehicle is stopped and as a dynamo to charge the vehicle’s auxiliary battery. When your truck is idling, your APU is actually running on electricity generated by its own diesel generator (or more accurately by a gas turbine combustor). By using electric power to cool your truck cabin, you save fuel for when you need it most – when driving down that long interstate on-ramp!

How Can I Be More Fuel Efficient With My Big Rig?

While there is no way to get around the truck’s size, there are many things you can do to increase your fuel efficiency. Different rigs may need different strategies, but here are some of our favorites: Reduce idling time, fuel at or below 1/2 tank when traveling long distances. When crossing state lines with empty tanks, find a truck stop near the state line and take a break for a few hours to load up with fresh diesel. Examine your tire pressure and replace if necessary. Check vehicle cargo weight distribution and follow manufacturer specifications for full payload when possible. Maintain accurate records on fuel mileage from each fill-up and make adjustments accordingly.

Need Semi Truck Maintenance Or Inspections? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!

If you’re in need of semi truck maintenance or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.