When you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, you can take advantage of its benefits. Here’s how to ensure you enjoy fuel efficiency with it as well.
Diesel engines can already have terrific fuel efficiency, but even an already good thing has room for improvement! With a little care and conscientious ownership, every diesel engine has the potential to deliver more power and torque without requiring you to throw away cash on fuel. Here are a few great tips for improving fuel efficiency in diesel engines.
Maintain Maintenance
Every vehicle requires regular maintenance. Without periodic checkups and upkeep, a vehicle will eventually fail. Make sure you bring your vehicle in for the following processes to ensure fuel efficiency and continued high performance.
- Oil changes: If you want to care for a vehicle, don’t neglect oil changes. Change your oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, depending on what the owner’s manual says or what your mechanic recommends. A well-oiled engine runs more efficiently and burns less fuel.
- Air filters: Air filters keep out particles and debris that clog and kill an engine. Keep the air flowing pure and clean in your engine by changing the air filters every around 30,000 miles. You can also check with your service technician about when to replace them.
- Fuel filters: Keeping your fuel lines and fuel filters clean ensures other contaminants can’t enter the injectors. Fuel burns more cleanly, and the engine runs better.
- Tire pressure: Tires have a huge influence on your vehicle’s efficiency. Good grip and proper inflation reduce resistance from the road, making your engine work better. Maintain the proper air pressure in your tires, and rotate them regularly.
Be a Better Driver
An old joke states that the most dangerous part of any vehicle is the nut behind the wheel. So you should drive safely and sanely and be kind to your vehicle. Smooth acceleration and deceleration, as well as careful braking, ensure it consumes less fuel and places less stress on every part. Obey the speed limit, and use cruise control to keep fuel use consistent. This will improve your mileage. Furthermore, resist the urge to idle and let your vehicle rumble and roar while waiting for the light. If you think you’ll be sitting longer than a minute, shut off the engine to save fuel.
Invest in High-Quality Diesel
Don’t cheap out on fuel. Find a distributor providing high-quality diesel fuel. Premium fuels contain detergents and other additives that keep the engine clean and free of gunk, improving combustion. Yes, you’ll pay more for high-quality diesel, but it’s worth it in the long run because it helps the engine stay clean and last longer.
Take a Load Off
One of the benefits of diesel vehicles, especially trucks, is that they provide hauling and towing power. That said, know your vehicle’s limits and don’t push it past them too often. Keep loads evenly distributed to reduce strain on the engine and body. Keep weights low, and remember that the more the vehicle carries or pulls, the more fuel it gobbles. Also, secure loads. Uneven distribution causes shifting, which strains the engine and affects fuel efficiency for the worse.
Those are just a few tips for improving fuel efficiency in diesel engines. Following these and avoiding common mistakes with your diesel vehicle ensures greater fuel efficiency and grants a much more enjoyable ride.