In trucking, everything is all about the bottom line. Arguably, what affects the bottom line the most is fuel consumption.

Fleet managers and owner-operators alike try to maximize fuel efficiency in a number of different ways. From driving slower to drafting and even equipping low rolling resistance tires.

However, did you know that ride stability also affects fuel consumption? It may come as a surprise, but ride stability can lead to a change in fuel economy.

If you’d like to learn more about ride stability and fuel consumption, then continue reading below.

What Is Ride Stability?

Ride stability is how effective a vehicle is at insulating the driver and their cargo from the road’s surfaces. Better ride stability means a smoother, more comfortable ride.

A lower ride stability makes the overall feel of the vehicle much more uncomfortable. The two things that affect ride stability the most are the tires and the suspension.

How Do Tires Affect Fuel Consumption?

Tires play a huge role in the ride stability of all heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Wheel diameter, width, rigidity, depth, and pressure all play a role in ride stability.

However, all these factors play a role in fuel consumption too. For example, fuel-efficient tires have less tread depth, leading to less rolling resistance.

That means that the tires will likely be less comfortable and less stable than regular tires. There are also wider tires that offer more comfort and stability—but are heavier.

The added weight of heavier tires once again leads to higher fuel consumption. However, tire pressure is one of the most important factors for ride stability and fuel economy.

Staying at the proper tire pressure will increase fuel efficiency and safety and make the ride much more comfortable.

How Does Suspension Affect Fuel Economy?

The suspension’s main job is to keep your truck from shaking and rumbling while you’re on your way to deliver cargo. A loose suspension does a poor job of providing a smooth ride.

However, it’s not all about comfort. That’s because suspension actually plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency.

Imagine that your suspension isn’t working, and you’re bumping up and down and rumbling down the highway. All this movement means that your engine will need to work harder to stay at your desired speed.

The harder your engine works, the more fuel it uses. That’s why most commercial trucks are equipped with air suspension systems.

These suspension systems keep the truck and the cargo as stable as possible. That way, the load doesn’t bounce around, and the engine doesn’t work harder than it needs to.

The upside is that this also leads to a much better and smoother driving experience.

Keep Your Heavy-Duty Vehicle Stable

It almost goes without saying that you want your ride stability to be as high as possible. However, sometimes that comes at the sacrifice of fuel economy.

However, as we’ve seen, better ride stability can also lead to fuel savings. In the end, ride stability is something that can’t be sacrificed.

Not just because it can lead to damaged cargo, but because it’s connected to driver safety and comfort—two things that can’t be compromised.