Semi Truck Fuel Economy Upgrades: Best Aftermarket Parts

Investing in fuel-efficient aftermarket parts is a great way to start saving some money at the gas pump. Whether it's a wheel cover kit or a fairing, getting the right parts can make the difference. 

But before you get the right parts, let's quickly go over spec'ing your truck (if it's a new buy) for fuel efficiency. 

There's a lot of factors to consider: performance, fuel efficiency, serviceability, and life expectancy. Spec’ing a truck for fuel efficiency can mean sacrificing higher payloads or getting a lower horsepower.

With that said, if you’re well past the spec’ing stage (and you probably are), start investing your earnings into some of these components. 

#1 Tip: Tire Size Directly Affects Your Fuel Economy

The wrong tire size can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. 

Revolution per mile (RPM) is the number of times the tire rotates in one mile of driving. A smaller tire will rotate more times, whereas a larger tire will rotate fewer times.

Simple.

Why does it matter?

The road speed that you'll normally drive will require an optimal RPM.

Wide-based single tires (AKA "super singles") are the best commercial tire for fuel economy.

Keep in mind that it's a SINGLE tire. If the tire blows, you're done for. 

Dual tires, on the other hand, aren’t the best for fuel economy. However, dual tires offer improved traction on turbulent road conditions, whether it be mud, thick snow, or unpaved terrain.

If one tire blows out, you've got an extra one. 

Tip #2: Consider Buying Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) Tires

Reduced rolling resistance means your truck requires less energy to keep moving. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard, so you consume less fuel.

Low-rolling resistance tires are designed with:

• Optimized tread patterns and casing materials
• Specialized rubber compounds
• Thinner sidewalls for minimum deformation and heat generation

Here's a simpler solution: Inflate your tires at the recommended level. 

Doing this goes a long way toward effective fuel savings.

Before you invest in low-rolling resistance tires, consider a simpler solution: inflate the tire pressure at a recommended level.

Once done, the next step is to invest in these types of tires.

Add Aerodynamic Mirrors and Bumpers

According to Neural Concept, even a small reduction in aerodynamic drag results in big fuel savings.

Whether it’s a standard dual-vision aerodynamic head mirror, or an advanced heated aerodynamic mirror with electro-chrome glass to minimize glare, any aftermarket mirror with curved contour allows for less wind resistance on the road.

Bumper designs help with wind drag. Shop for those with “Aero” in the title, like the Herd Bumper Aero lineup, which offers additional wind drag resistance to improve your rig's fuel efficiency.

Cab High Roof Fairings

Aside from mirrors and bumpers, fairings are the best way to reduce wind drag on your semi truck.

Cab-high or mid-sized roof fairings help to reduce wind drag near the cab space resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

Fuel Tank Side Fairings

Fuel tank side fairings, otherwise known as a "fuel tank skirt" or "chassis side fairing," add some visual appeal to the truck while improving the aerodynamic efficiency thanks to reduced wind drag. 

Essentially, this fairing improves airflow and minimizes the formation of low-pressure zones (the gap between the tractor and trailer).

Rear Side Fairing

Designed to reduce the drag caused by the vacuum air pocket. These parts are made from fiberglass-reinforced composite material.

Sleeper Fairings 

This fairing sits near the back of the sleeper. The sleeper cab can create a pocket of high-pressure air that increases drag. A sleeper fairing guides airflow more smoothly between the cab and trailer.

Side Skirts

Side skirts minimize airflow under the truck's trailer, reducing drag. These parts hang from the trailer’s landing gear to the rear wheels.

Estimated fuel efficiency can improve by 1% to 5%.

Although fuel savings from aerodynamic components seem minimal, they compound with each lightweight add-on part. Having this, along with good truck spec’ing, can save a lot of dollars at the pump.

Maintenance and Driving Habit Tips for Better Fuel Efficiency

Don’t just get fuel-efficient parts, start practicing good driving habits for maximum cost savings at the pump.

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Avoid idling
• Use route planning on GPS to avoid traffic and optimize miles
• Gear usage and coasting as much as possible
• Proper tire maintenance and engine maintenance

Semi Truck Fuel Economy FAQs

Shop Aerodynamic Aftermarket Parts at 4 State Trucks

Start customizing your rig for better fuel economy with aerodynamic parts that fit your specific truck make and model. If you need help locating the right part, call our sales team at 888-875-7787 during work hours.