Regan Brown
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines, but there are still many ways to improve the gas mileage of your diesel engine. From regular maintenance to driving habits, these techniques will help you achieve great performance from your diesel engine and save money on fuel costs. This article will introduce some of the most effective methods for improving the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine, covering both behavioural changes and mechanical modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of cruise control | Can maintain a constant speed without stepping on the gas pedal, improving overall fuel efficiency |
| Driving speed | Driving over 55 mph increases fuel consumption. Driving at off-peak times can help avoid congestion and delays |
| Engine RPMs | The lower the RPMs, the better the fuel efficiency |
| Idling | Idling burns fuel and increases engine wear and tear |
| Route planning | Taking a fuel-efficient route and reviewing trip timing can help save fuel |
| Tire pressure | Maintaining proper tire pressure improves fuel economy |
| Vehicle weight | Reducing the weight of the vehicle improves fuel efficiency |
| Engine maintenance | Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts improve fuel efficiency |
| Fuel quality | High-quality diesel fuel with additives can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency |
| Air intake | Cold air intakes improve engine durability and performance. Air filters improve fuel mileage |
| Engine cooling system | A well-maintained cooling system ensures the engine operates within an optimal temperature range |
| Turbocharger | A failing turbocharger can lead to increased fuel consumption |
| Emissions cleaning | Regular cleaning of emissions control systems improves environmental performance and fuel efficiency |
| Aftermarket performance parts | Parts such as performance air filters and exhaust systems can improve engine functions and fuel economy |
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What You'll Learn
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts
Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency, but there are still many ways to further improve upon this. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn-out parts are key to ensuring your engine is operating at peak performance and consuming fuel efficiently.
One of the most important maintenance tasks is to keep to a consistent oil and filter change schedule. Oil and filters should be cleaned or replaced at the same time. Clean oil reduces internal friction, allowing the engine to operate more smoothly and requiring less fuel. Premium oils, such as synthetic oil, can improve fuel economy by up to 11%. It is also important to use the right oil for your engine, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Air filters are another essential component to monitor. These should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Premium air filters can improve fuel mileage and engine performance, but it is important to note that aftermarket performance parts may not always deliver on their promises. A dirty or damaged air filter will reduce engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
Fuel injectors should also be monitored and replaced when necessary. Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with deposits, resulting in poor fuel atomisation. Similarly, fuel filters should be checked and cleaned or replaced regularly to ensure optimal operation and efficient combustion.
Tire pressure is another important factor in fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder, while over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear and decreased traction, both of which negatively impact fuel economy. Maintaining the optimal tire pressure as recommended by the manufacturer will help improve your vehicle's fuel mileage.
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Use high-quality diesel and oil
Using high-quality diesel and oil is essential for maximising fuel efficiency in diesel engines.
Firstly, high-quality diesel fuel often contains additives that can enhance engine performance. These additives clean and lubricate the engine while improving fuel efficiency. Although premium diesel may be more expensive upfront, the long-term benefits can result in significant savings.
Secondly, regular oil changes with high-quality oil are crucial for keeping the engine's parts moving smoothly. Clean oil ensures that the engine's components are well-lubricated and functioning optimally, reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency.
In addition to using high-quality diesel and oil, it is important to maintain proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, can lead to uneven wear and decreased traction, negatively impacting fuel economy. Therefore, maintaining the optimal tire pressure as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is essential for maximising fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that excessive weight can reduce a diesel engine's fuel efficiency. Unnecessary weight, such as unused equipment, increases the overall weight of the vehicle, requiring more fuel to move it. Removing non-essential items can help reduce the vehicle's weight, leading to improvements in fuel efficiency.
By using high-quality diesel and oil, maintaining proper tire pressure, and reducing excessive weight, diesel engine owners can significantly improve fuel efficiency and maximise their fuel economy.
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Reduce drag and unnecessary weight
Reducing drag and unnecessary weight is a proven way to improve fuel efficiency in diesel vehicles. This is especially true for trucking fleets, where reducing drag can save thousands of dollars per year.
Reducing Drag
Aerodynamic drag can be reduced by installing vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, and wheel covers. These devices can be retrofitted to heavy vehicles, and their effectiveness depends on their design, position, and how the vehicle is operated. For example, vehicles on long-haul routes tend to save twice as much fuel as those driven in urban areas.
Driving with closed windows at high speeds can also reduce drag, as open windows cause turbulence.
Reducing Weight
Unnecessary weight in a vehicle reduces fuel efficiency, as more fuel is required to move a heavier vehicle. Diesel vehicles are particularly susceptible to this due to their use in hauling heavy cargo. Removing unused equipment and other non-essential items can improve fuel economy.
Every 100 kg of weight reduction can cut fuel costs by 0.4 L every 100 km for cars and 0.5 L every 100 km for light trucks.
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Maintain optimal tyre pressure
Maintaining the optimal tyre pressure is essential for keeping you and other road users safe, improving vehicle performance, decreasing fuel costs, and ensuring you get the most life out of your tyres. Underinflated tyres are among the leading causes of tyre failure, as they cause too much of the tyre to touch the road, increasing friction and wear. This increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and, in turn, increasing fuel consumption.
A tyre doesn't need to look flat to be underinflated, so it's important to check its pressure using a tyre gauge. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found a strong correlation between tyre pressure and fuel economy. For every 1% decrease in tyre pressure, there was a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. Tyre pressure can also be affected by temperature changes. For every 5 °C drop in temperature, there is a 2% loss in tyre pressure, and a 2% gain for every 5 °C rise.
On the other hand, overinflated tyres can lead to a bumpier ride, compromised handling, and uneven tread wear, which can negatively affect fuel economy. The key is to find the right balance and ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. You can usually find this information on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or glove box, as well as in your owner's manual.
Checking your tyre pressure at least once a month is a simple routine that can save you money and improve your vehicle's performance and safety.
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Minimise idling
Vehicle idling refers to the engine running while the vehicle is stationary and not in motion. This commonly occurs when a vehicle is parked or stopped at a traffic light. Idling can occur to keep the vehicle's interior climate-controlled, to power onboard equipment, or out of habit or convenience. However, idling can contribute to air pollution, fuel consumption, and engine wear and tear.
Minimising idling is a key strategy to reduce fuel consumption. Idling reduction technologies, such as automatic engine systems, auxiliary power units (APUs), direct-fired heaters, and advanced ignition tracking systems, can effectively manage and reduce idling. These systems can automatically shut down engines after a predetermined period of idling, providing alternative power sources for heating, cooling, and electrical needs, thus conserving fuel.
For drivers, education about fuel-efficient driving techniques is essential. This includes maintaining steady speeds, minimising abrupt acceleration and braking, and proper vehicle maintenance. Training programs that emphasise eco-driving techniques not only benefit the environment but also contribute to reduced maintenance costs and decreased fuel consumption over time.
Additionally, effective route planning is crucial for reducing idling. Utilising route planning software with robust GPS technology enables managers to set and track the most efficient routes that avoid idling zones. This not only optimises fuel efficiency but also improves overall vehicle utilisation.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of situations that cause excessive idling, such as warming up your vehicle for extended periods or using drive-thru services. By turning off your vehicle during prolonged waits or when idling is unavoidable, you can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce fuel consumption in a diesel engine, including:
- Regular maintenance: keeping your engine well-serviced with clean oil and air filters, and replacing worn-out parts, will help your engine run more efficiently.
- Reducing drag: installing vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, and wheel covers can help to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Optimising tyre pressure: under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Over-inflated tyres can cause uneven wear and decreased traction, so keeping tyres at the optimal pressure will improve fuel efficiency.
Idling—when the engine is running but the vehicle isn't moving—can waste a significant amount of fuel. Idling burns about ¾ of a gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck, so it's best to shut down the engine when possible to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.
Driving speed has an impact on fuel consumption. Each mile per hour driven over 55 mph decreases fuel economy by 0.1 mpg. Driving at a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration can also help to improve fuel efficiency.
