Tow Smarter, Spend Less: Summer Safety and Fuel Tips for Towing Companies

When the temperature climbs, so does the call volume. Breakdowns, overheated engines, and road trips gone wrong all keep tow truck drivers busier than ever during summer. But while you’re rescuing others, summer heat quietly adds pressure on your own operations, burning through fuel, stressing engines, and wearing down your team.

If you run a towing business, here’s how to keep your trucks and your bottom line cool under pressure.

1. Cut Down on Unnecessary Idling
   Tow trucks do a lot of waiting. At impound lots, on long roadside calls, or while assisting with accident cleanup. But in summer, idling gets expensive, burning up to a gallon of fuel per hour. When it’s happening across your entire fleet, it adds up fast.

Encourage operators to shut down when safe to do so. If you’re running newer trucks, use idle shutdown settings or telematics to flag excessive idle time. Park in the shade when possible and crack windows if drivers are staying inside. For older rigs without APU options, even using dashboard fans can reduce the need for full A/C during idle.

 

2. A/C Maintenance = Fuel Efficiency
   A/C isn’t optional in this line of work, your drivers need to stay sharp and focused. But when the system’s underperforming, it eats into fuel efficiency and stresses the engine, especially during idle-heavy calls.

Make sure cabin air filters are changed often and refrigerant levels are kept in check. Train drivers to avoid running the A/C full-blast with the windows down or during extended idle periods.

 

3. Get Ahead of Summer Inspection Pitfalls
   Tow trucks are heavy, complex vehicles and they attract attention during DOT inspections. Common hot-weather red flags include:

• Tire failures from heat-expanded pressure
• Coolant system leaks
• Brake fade due to constant stop-start driving with a load

Make sure every driver is doing pre-trip inspections daily: check tires when they’re cold, inspect belts and hoses, and verify coolant levels. For carriers and wreckers pulling frequent highway duty, increase the frequency of brake checks too.

4. Heat Fatigue = Slow Response and Risky Situations
   Drivers are on call for hours, often dealing with stressed customers, traffic hazards, and exposure to extreme heat. Mental fatigue kicks in fast when crews are dehydrated or overheating, leading to slower reactions and mistakes.

Provide plenty of water in every cab. If possible, rotate shifts during heatwaves and build in quick breaks between back-to-back calls. Even five minutes in the shade can make a difference in keeping your crew focused and safe.

5. Watch for DPF Trouble in High-Idle Conditions
   If your fleet includes diesel wreckers or flatbeds, long idle times and extreme heat can cause your Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) to clog more quickly. Frequent regenerations or engine derates are a sign your system’s under stress.

Plan more frequent cleanings during the summer and train operators to recognize early warning signs like poor acceleration, increased fuel use, or active regen alerts. A clogged DPF on a busy weekend is the kind of breakdown no one wants.

6. Keep Fuel Costs Under Control with the Energie Fuel Card
   Towing already puts serious strain on your fuel budget but the Energie Fuel Card makes it easier to manage. Access discounted rates across retail and cardlock stations, monitor driver spending in real time, and simplify fuel tracking by truck or operator.

Whether you’re running a single flatbed or a multi-state fleet, the Energie Fuel Card puts you back in control of your summer fuel costs.

Your crew’s always ready for a rescue, so make sure your business is protected too. Stay sharp, save more, and power through the heat with smarter habits and the right fuel program.