Fuel consumption... explain this to me
Posted by Emergency-Bus-998@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 18 comments
I am on a route that is between 970 to 990 kms from my home terminal.
Normally I fill up once on each end.
When I get to each end, I have 1/4 tank of fuel left.
Over rhe past few days I have been looking on how and where to save money with these ridiculous prices. OK, so I found out where to save. Actually $2,170.per month. Yay.
But it is more according to this scenario;
It takes 1/4 tank of fuel to get from point B to the middle point from my home terminal.
I Filled up and came back to my yard (point A).
That second lag also took 1/4 tank of fuel.
Which means it took 1/2 tank of fuel to get from point B to point A.
Which if when I fill up at point B and drive straight back to our yard, I end up with 1/4 tank left. Taking 3/4 of a tank.
Waisted-Desert@reddit
How are you gauging your 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 tank? Are you filling it and seeing how many gallons/liters is being dispensed? Or are you relying on an an unreliable fuel gauge in the dash?
1) Warmer fuel takes more volume but has less energy. Fueling with warmer fuel costs more and reduces your fuel economy.
2) Most fuel gauges I've had in my 40+ years of driving are inaccurate. The needle drops slowly the first half of the tank, then if drops fast for the last half. Do not rely on the gauge as a determination of how much fuel is actually used.
3) It is entirely possible that additives used at one location changes the fuel economy. This often happens when a city, county, province, or state requires a certain blend to reduce emissions.
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
This makes sense.
Yes, I have been using the gauge only.
The next time I fuel again is going to be at the same station half way through. If I am right, I should get there using 1/4 tank with 1/2 to fill. And divide that by 2.
Just a note:
This place is .43 cents per liter cheaper than where I am use.to filling up . Same company- Esso
amazingmaple@reddit
Just because it's halfway in mileage doesn't mean you will use the same amount of fuel in the second half. It depends on terrain. Even one more hill will throw off the fuel usage
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
I take the exact same route every trip tho.
amazingmaple@reddit
Ok but are you empty or loaded both ways? Are you only going by the gauge or actual gallons? Are you driving exactly the same. You say that it's between 970 and 990 km. 20km is a big difference.
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
Sorry, I just read this again... I am loaded both ways with the same approximate weights. It is the same routine every time going over the same terrain... especially the second half.
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
When I leave to come home, I am full.
I used 252 liters (1/4) to get half way.
Filled up
Drove the.other half
Ended up with 3/4
The fuel would have been heavier going over the exact same terrain I take every trip.
But less fuel being heavier.
Last night was the second time since I changed fuel locations
amazingmaple@reddit
The only way to know for sure is to keep track of the liters you use over several trips. Don't go by the gauge because they are highly inaccurate. Anyway go by the amount you used.
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
Yea, that is what I planned to do.
I am happy about it. Just confused
amazingmaple@reddit
There's so many variables that determine fuel consumption. Temperature is a big one too. It will never be exactly the same but shouldn't be too far off. Should be within 20 to 30 liters.
nortyflatz@reddit
You are fueling at 2 different locations. They are NOT selling the same quality of fuel.
Either, one of the fuels is treated, or the fuel is "diesel #1" and not diesel #2.
Or the btu values for the fuels are wildly different,
Or, one of the dispensers is co-mingling another product with the diesel, stretching out the inventory.
Or, you're into the turbo a bit more on the way back home!
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
Even though it is the same company? Esso/Husky both locations
deezkeys098@reddit
Diesel weighs 7pound a gallon bud. That extra fuel make you heavier aka uses more fuel
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
I am not using extra fuel... using 1/4 tank less. The fuel on the second lag would be heavier going over the exact same terrain I take every trip 8 times a month.
Tonkatte@reddit
No one told me there was going to be a math test..
planetbuster@reddit
ask chatgpt as well as grok. youre welcome.
ElectionStrong3922@reddit
wait this math is confusing me too
if you go halfway and it takes quarter tank, then other half should also take quarter tank making it half tank total right? but then you say direct route takes three quarters tank
maybe the middle stop adds extra distance or you idle more time there? or different terrain makes fuel consumption not exactly same for both halves
Emergency-Bus-998@reddit (OP)
It is confusing to me as well... that is why I am posting.
I don't understand why it would take a half tank by filling with 1/4 half way through the trip... and 3/4 driving straight through. I go over all the same mountains with the same approximate weights.