Ireland is known for its weather as much as for its beautiful green landscapes. For fleet managers and businesses, the turbulent weather isn’t just a quirky part of Irish identity but also a difficulty. The weather, from heavy rainfall that causes flooding to strong winds, can affect fuel usage, directly impacting costs and efficiency. So how does Irish weather affect fuel consumption and what can fleet managers do to limit it?
The Cost of Battling the Elements
Imagine driving a loaded lorry into the Atlantic wind. The wind would slow your progress and also increase the stress on your engine, eating more of your fuel. The rain and wet roads will have the same effect, reducing tyre traction and increasing stopping distances.
A lorry driver who does this every day will see the effects of bad weather, as will a fleet manager looking to make their commercial vehicle operation efficient. This issue will also not be lost on a business owner looking to minimise costs. Those weather-based inefficiencies might not be enormous in and of themselves but with a fleet, they quickly multiply.
Why Fuel Efficiency Drops in Harsh Weather
Two factors driving fuel burn are aerodynamics and engine load. Wind will strike a vehicle and cause drag, increasing or decreasing the pressure on the front of the vehicle and hindering airflow down the sides and back. The engine must work harder to counter this drag.
Meanwhile, low-traction wet roads require lower speeds or more engine power for the wet wheels. The same is true of climbing steep wet hills. Over a matter of hours or days, the effect of these changes in efficiency can add up to a noticeable amount. It’s important that any such factors are identified and fixed.
Combatting the Climate with Smart Strategies
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Optimise Routes with Real-Time Weather Data
Ireland has a notoriously unpredictable weather system, so use routing tools and maps that take weather forecasting into account. You wouldn’t want to end up in a flooded area, a road taken over by a storm or in an area where strong winds will force you to drive much slower to your destination. The shorter your route, the less fuel you consume.
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Maintain Tyres for Maximum Grip and Efficiency
Wet roads and underinflated tyres lead to high rolling resistance and that means higher fuel usage. Check your tyre pressures every month and ensure they are up to your manufacturer’s recommended levels for the load your vehicle carries.
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Invest in Aerodynamic Modifications
Fitting side skirts and roof deflectors can reduce air drag in the wind. You may think that this takes a lot of energy out of your engine’s efficiency but in the long run, this small adjustment will lead to significant fuel savings.
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Use Telematics for Better Fleet Oversight
Telematics systems allow you to monitor driver performance, measure fuel consumption and determine the most efficient routes. Using tools like this, fleet managers can spot potential problem areas and fix them before they become major issues. For more information on advanced telematics systems for fleets, head to radius.com.
Drive Smartly
While you can’t stop the rain or slow the wind, you have a chance to control how your fleet responds. With careful route planning, proper vehicle care and telematics technology at your fingertips, you’ll do more than just keep the changeable elements at bay; you’ll beat them.
