5 Steps To Decrease Fuel Costs In Your Bus or Van

As fuel prices are skyrocketing nationwide, bus owners are looking to squeeze the most out of their gas tanks. Buses aren’t known for their fuel efficiency compared to lighter-weight vehicles, but there are certain measures you can take to push your mileage a little further. Following these five steps could lead to significant savings at the pump whether you drive a commercial bus, school bus, daycare bus or shuttle bus.  And after all, every little bit helps!

1. Drive Your Bus Slowly and Evenly

On average, the most fuel-efficient speed for buses is between 55 and 65 miles per hour. The faster and more aggressively you accelerate, the more gas you’ll waste just getting up to speed. Slow, steady acceleration and deceleration are easier on your engine, your brakes, and your wallet. When appropriate, use cruise control to help keep your speed consistent over time. To sum it up, don’t drive your bus like you’d drive a car—drive it like you would drive a semi-truck, taking your time to get up to speed and leaving lots of room to coast to a stop.

2. Schedule Regular Service for Your Bus

There are many minor things that when not maintained, can drastically reduce your gas mileage. For instance, a dirty air filter can reduce efficiency by as much as 10 percent. Tires underinflated by 10 psi will decrease fuel efficiency by 2 percent per mile. And skipping a simple engine tune-up could cost 20 percent of your fuel efficiency. When all these little things are ignored or put off, it can suddenly become a big thing, reducing your mileage, increasing your costs, and potentially causing damage to your engine. Take your bus in for regular maintenance regularly. 

Need to schedule an appointment?  You can contact Hudson Bus Sales Service Department here.

3. Inflate Your Bus Tires to Factory Specifications

The ideal inflation for your bus will depend on the size and weight of your bus; check your bus owner’s manual for guidance on what your psi should be. If you’re renting or borrowing an bus, or your manual is nowhere to be found, the recommended psi can often be found printed on the tire sidewall. Check your tire pressure on every traveling day before hitting the road, since it should only be measured when tires are cold. You can do this anywhere with a $2 tire gauge.

4. Shop Around for the Lowest Fuel Price

There are several good apps for finding the lowest gas prices in your area and mapping your route to cut out any extra miles that will just drain your tank faster.  Check out this article by Tom Blake from Moneycrashers that lists the apps that can help you minimize your driving and maximize your savings.

5. When Repairs Become Regular, Time To Trade

As the miles on your bus or van begin to creep upwards, certain parts can begin to wear out.  And while it is almost always cheaper to repair what you have than to buy a new bus or van, it doesn’t always make sense from a practical standpoint.  Especially if your bus is visible as part of your company’s image, it needs to be kept up well to help promote your image. 

A safe bus shouldn’t break down more than two or three times a year, if even that much.  Issues such as failing electronics, rust or corrosion, engine malfunctions, or structural damage, are signs that your bus or van is no longer safe for your customers.  Repair costs can really add up, making your bus more financial trouble than it’s worth.  If you are ready to trade up or sell your current bus or van, contact us here for a FREE ESTIMATE.

In summary, while there is no magic formula to completely eliminate an increase in gas prices, following these steps can greatly reduce the sting at the pump. 

We at Hudson Bus Sales sell new and pre-owned buses that can fit up to 33 people! We also sell bus parts and service and maintain your vehicle, to ensure that your bus will always be in tiptop shape while on the road! Call: (817) 207-5808 or visit our contact page to know more!