Continuous increase in gas prices in the past few years is one of the dilemmas that rideshare and delivery drivers have (except for those who use electric cars, of course).
The rider is lucky if he uses his company’s vehicle, but most delivery drivers use their own cars to deliver cargo, which means they pay for their own gas.
If you’re one of them, check our in-depth guide on how can a delivery driver save gas, time, and, ultimately, money.
Table of Contents
10 Ways A Delivery Driver Can Save Gas & Time (Plus Money!)
1. Invest In A Route Planning App
If you’re a driver who wants to save money on gas, investing in an app that helps you plan your route effectively, like Route4Me route planner, should be your first step.
These apps can help drivers (including rideshare drivers) by giving alternative routes to avoid traffic and roadblocks.
Another helpful feature that Route4Me have is that it directs you to the nearest and cheapest gas stations if you need to fill up your tank.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Help Save Gas and Fuel Costs?
2. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Minimizing fuel consumption is not just about using the right vehicle – it’s also about having the proper driving habits.
If you drive aggressively, especially if you’re driving way above the speed limit, you’re wasting gas.
Using your car’s cruise control can help you save money on gas.
Remember to drive reasonably at a consistent speed, not only to save fuel but also for your safety and those around you.
3. Slow Down
If you’re keen on saving money on gas, another thing you can opt to do is slow down. The more you step on the accelerator, the faster you’ll need to fill your tank.
Remember that your speed significantly influences your fuel efficiency, regardless if you’re using a new car.
4. Avoid Excessive Idling
A quarter to a half gallon of fuel is wasted when you keep your vehicle idle for a long time.
This is why turning off the engine while you are stuck in traffic or simply waiting is recommended. Avoiding excessive idling could definitely lower your fuel costs.
5. Check Your Tyres
Your engine consumes more gas when it works harder, and to prevent this from happening, make sure to check your car tires regularly.
Having the correct tire pressure is essential in getting good gas mileage, as underinflated tires may create resistance to your vehicle’s movement.
Multi-Stop Route Planner App
6. Drive Smoothly
If you want to save money on fuel, identical to driving slowly is driving smoothly.
To drive smoothly is to drive without accelerating too much and without sudden stops. Regardless if there are not many cars on the road, keep your speed steady.
7. Minimize Usage Of Airconditioners
Frequent usage of air conditioning is another factor that affects your gas consumption.
Turning off your air conditioners and rolling down your windows while driving in the city can help lessen your gas costs.
However, keeping your windows down on the highway increases the car’s wind resistance, causing gas wastage.
So if you’re in the city, you can open your window and turn off your air conditioner. If you’re on a highway, it’s best to close your window and turn on your air conditioner.
8. Reduce Weight As Much As Possible
It may sound outlandish, but the mass of what’s in your car can contribute to your fuel use. The heavier the weight of the car, the greater the fuel it consumes.
In fact, about 1% of gas mileage and fuel efficiency is reduced by an extra 100 pounds of weight in the car.
You may consider removing stuff you aren’t using in your vehicle to lessen the cargo.
9. Maintain And Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
Having your car maintained is another way to reduce how much gas you use. Your vehicle uses 10 – 20% less fuel if it is well-maintained than a non-service one.
Keeping your tires inflated, ensuring oil is filled and the spark plugs are in satisfactory condition, and cleaning your air filter can help you save money on gas.
If you want a car on which you don’t have to spend too much gas, you may opt for some electric vehicle options.
10. Do Not Overflow Your Tank
If you want to save money on gas, do not overfill your gas tank, as your gas pump can detect that the tank is full and sucks some out to prevent it from overflowing.
Even though the gas sucked out is not much, it could still amount to massive waste in the long run, especially if you use premium gas pumps.
Also, make sure that you tightly close the gas cap before leaving the gas station.
(Additional savings tip: pay using your gas credit card or fuel rewards in your fuel purchases to save more money)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gas & Fuel Costs
Does driving slower save gas?
What’s the best speed to drive to save gas?
Does accelerating quickly save fuel?
Wrapping Up
One of the delivery, truck, and rideshare drivers’ most common problems include gas purchases because of high gas prices.
Aside from using card and fuel rewards, we hope that what we shared above is helpful in your dilemma.
Make sure to try out a route-planning app that will help you plan your route, avoid traffic, determine the weather, avoid roadblocks, and suggest gas stations that offer cheap gas prices.
Route4Me offers a 7-day free trial. Check it out and see the difference it can make in your business.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Help Save Gas and Fuel Costs?
