Volvo VHD - Manual (Page 196)

190 Fuel Economy Driving
Fuel Economy
General
The absolute fuel consumption (counted in
miles per US gallon or liters per 100 kilo-
meters) is determined by a large number of
circumstances which can be related to one
of the following main areas:
1 Build specification and equipment
2 Service and maintenance
3 External environment
4 Driving habits
Due to these factors, fuel consumption can
vary considerably within what is called
“normal fuel consumption.” Fuel consump-
tion can vary from over 10 mpg (20 L/100
km) when driving empty on a nice and dry
summer road to 3.5 mpg (70 L/100 km)
while driving with maximum permitted
GVW, with vehicle and trailer, on a hilly
and slushy winter road.
Build Specification and Equipment
Whenever a vehicle is used for transporta-
tion, its build specification, equipment and
gross vehicle weight have a decisive effect
on both fuel consumption and performance.
The factors which have the greatest influ-
ence on fuel consumption are primarily:
driveline combination, height of trailer or
superstructure, use of air fairings, tire type,
number of wheels, gross vehicle weight,
and accessories.