How do I conserve my armor better?

[Der Kuenstler]

I'm playing the Stalingrad '42 campaign as Germany and it appears like I'm not managing my armored units properly. It seems like I always lose a vehicle even when moving next to an enemy armored unit, let alone attacking them. I recently brought a group of 6 good PZIVs up to help stop an armored breakthrough - they were not in travel mode and "A" morale. I had them stacked with some infantry in clear terrain. Within four hours they are down to two vehicles.

What can I do better to conserve what armor I have? Thanks!