Smart Vehicle Telematics Can Significantly Improve Your Fuel Efficiency
Some of the best new fleet management technologies come from the field of vehicle telematics. It’s now possible to monitor almost every aspect of a vehicle’s performance while on the road, in real-time. This additional level of oversight can improve numerous aspects of fleet management, but it’s especially useful for reducing fuel costs.
With fuel continuing to become more expensive, it’s more important than ever to focus on fuel efficiency if you want your fleet to be cost-effective. Vehicle telematics makes this easier to accomplish and offers several different ways to improve efficiency.
Four Ways Vehicle Telematics Systems Create A Highly Fuel-Efficient Fleet
1 – Proactive maintenance keeps vehicles running at peak performance
Today’s fleet management systems can track every individual component, including its maintenance history and expected lifespan. This allows you to proactively replace components – such as spark plugs or tires – before they lose effectiveness, maintaining peak efficiency for the vehicle.
2 – Monitor emissions and DEF levels
If a vehicle suddenly diverges from expected emissions levels, that usually indicates a problem in the engine or the fuel system. It might simply be low Diesel Exhaust Fuel levels or a deeper problem. Either way, you’ll be alerted whenever there seems to be an issue with the vehicle’s emissions. Fixing it will improve fuel efficiency, and also avoid any regulatory problems.
3 – Monitor driver performance
Vehicle telematics monitors your drivers, as well as the vehicles. You’ll get a lot of real-time data on your drivers’ on-road behavior, such as how often they speed, or how aggressively they accelerate. In turn, this opens up opportunities to coach them on smarter driving strategies that minimize fuel waste. You could even use this data to directly incentivize fuel-smart driving.
In addition, you can use routing software to further improve routes and reduce fuel waste. For example: avoiding left turns across traffic is a highly efficient strategy that most courier companies utilize. Going around a block to avoid a left turn actually uses less fuel than idling at stoplights.
4 – Prevent fuel theft
Sadly, as fuel prices have gone up, instances of fuel being stolen from vehicles have gone up as well. Telematic systems monitor fuel levels, as well as expected fuel use in a vehicle. If the fuel level decreases too quickly, you’ll be notified and can investigate the problem.
VLC creates the software and tools your fleet needs for maximum efficiency. With over 50 years of experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge to the industry. Click here to learn more about our products!
