Sylvie Willis
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines of a similar size, but there are still ways to improve the mileage of a diesel engine. There are two main categories of methods: behavioural adjustments and mechanical modifications. Behavioural adjustments include driving habits such as maintaining a steady speed, sticking to speed limits, and reducing the weight of the vehicle. Mechanical modifications include installing aftermarket performance parts such as air filters, exhaust systems, and performance chips. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and cleaning or replacing air and fuel filters, can also improve fuel efficiency. Keeping tires properly inflated is another way to improve diesel fuel mileage.
How to get better diesel fuel mileage
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smooth acceleration | Avoid putting the pedal to the medal and accelerating fast. Instead, use a smooth, steady fuel acceleration to prevent excessive fuel burning. |
| Speed limit | Stick to the speed limit. Driving at high speeds makes the engine work harder, using more fuel. The optimal use of fuel typically comes between 30 and 48 mph. |
| Cruise control | Using cruise control on flat terrain helps maintain a constant speed without stepping on the gas pedal, improving fuel efficiency. |
| Reduce weight | Keeping the vehicle's load weight within the manufacturer's recommended limit improves fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. |
| Regular maintenance | Regular oil changes with high-quality oil and clean or replaced air and fuel filters prevent unnecessary fuel waste. |
| Tire pressure | Check tire pressure at least once a month and maintain optimal pressure as per the manufacturer's recommendations. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder, while over-inflated tires lead to uneven wear and decreased traction. |
| Narrow tires | Narrower tires reduce friction and optimize fuel economy. |
| Aftermarket parts | Installing aftermarket performance parts, such as air filters and performance exhaust systems, can improve engine functions and enhance fuel economy. |
| ECU tuning | ECU remapping or custom tuning can improve fuel efficiency by adjusting settings on the engine control unit (ECU). |
| Driving habits | Avoid aggressive driving and maintain a consistent speed. Use the engine's sweet spot for peak torque. |
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What You'll Learn
Stick to the speed limit
One of the most common pieces of advice given to motorists is to stick to the speed limit. While it may seem harmless to go slightly over the speed limit, doing so can significantly impact your fuel economy. When driving at high speeds, your engine has to work harder, using more fuel. Therefore, maintaining a steady speed within the legal limit will help you use less fuel and save money on diesel.
It is important to note that driving too slowly can also negatively affect your fuel economy. This is because your engine may inject too much fuel when trying to compensate for the slow speed. Finding the "sweet spot" for your engine is crucial, as it will help you achieve optimal fuel efficiency. For some vehicles, this sweet spot may be around 30 to 48 miles per hour, while for others, it could be higher, around 60 miles per hour.
To maintain a steady speed and improve your fuel mileage, you can utilize cruise control when driving on flat terrain. This feature allows you to keep a constant speed without constantly pressing the gas pedal, which improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, using cruise control can help you avoid the temptation to accelerate quickly, which can hurt your diesel engine's fuel mileage. Smooth and steady acceleration is more fuel-efficient and prevents excessive fuel burning.
Sticking to the speed limit is not only about maintaining a consistent speed but also about driving at a speed that is efficient for your engine. This may vary depending on the terrain and conditions, so it is important to pay attention to your engine's performance and make adjustments as needed. Keeping your vehicle well-maintained, with regular oil changes and clean filters, can also help you achieve better fuel mileage when driving at the speed limit.
Overall, sticking to the speed limit is a simple yet effective way to improve your diesel fuel mileage. By maintaining a steady speed within the legal limits, you can reduce fuel consumption and save money on diesel costs. Combining this practice with other fuel-saving techniques, such as maintaining optimal tire pressure and reducing unnecessary weight in your vehicle, can further enhance your fuel economy.
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Avoid stopping and starting
One of the most common pieces of advice given to motorists is to avoid stopping and starting as much as possible. When you come to a stop, your engine has to work harder to get back up to speed, using more fuel than if you maintain a consistent speed.
According to research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), rapid acceleration and braking can lower fuel economy by 15–30% at highway speeds and 10–40% in stop-and-go traffic. This means that by simply maintaining a steady speed, you can achieve better fuel mileage.
Idling, or leaving your engine running when your vehicle is not moving, causes your vehicle to use fuel unnecessarily, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. An easy way to avoid this is to turn off your engine whenever you anticipate being stationary for an extended period, such as at a red light or when waiting to pick someone up. The Argonne National Laboratory found that turning off your engine for stops as brief as 10 seconds will save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Modern vehicles are designed to minimize fuel consumption during start-up, so this is a simple way to save on fuel.
You can also improve fuel efficiency by planning your route effectively. Using navigation systems or route-planning applications that consider factors like traffic congestion and road conditions can help you reduce idling time, avoid unnecessary stops and starts, and optimize fuel efficiency.
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Maintain optimal tyre pressure
Maintaining optimal tyre pressure is a delicate balancing act that can significantly improve your vehicle's fuel mileage. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel to move the car at any given speed. On the other hand, over-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear patterns and decreased traction, negatively impacting fuel economy.
To maintain optimal tyre pressure, first, determine the proper tyre pressure for your vehicle. This information is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tyre's sidewall. It's important to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, as tyres can lose air over time.
When checking your tyre pressure, consider the weight of your vehicle. If you're driving alone, you can slightly lower the pressure, while a full car requires slightly higher pressure. Maintaining the recommended tyre pressure will not only improve your fuel economy but also extend the lifespan of your tyres.
Additionally, be mindful of aggressive driving behaviours such as rapid acceleration and inconsistent speeds, as these can negatively impact your fuel mileage. Utilise smooth, steady acceleration and maintain a constant speed whenever possible, especially on flat terrain. This will help you improve your overall fuel efficiency.
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Reduce vehicle weight
Reducing the weight of your vehicle can significantly improve your diesel engine's fuel mileage. A lightweight vehicle is generally safer to drive and puts less strain on the engine, brakes, and suspension.
Firstly, it is important to keep your vehicle's load weight within the manufacturer's recommended limit. This is crucial for achieving optimal fuel efficiency and maintaining great vehicle performance. Even if your vehicle is within its recommended weight limit, it may still be carrying unnecessary weight. Consider removing any items that you do not regularly need from your vehicle, such as tools, sports equipment, or other heavy items.
Another way to reduce weight is to choose lightweight aftermarket parts when modifications or replacements are needed. Performance air filters, for example, allow more air to flow into the engine, improving combustion efficiency and leading to better gas mileage. Performance exhaust systems can also improve fuel economy by reducing exhaust back pressure and increasing engine efficiency.
Reducing wind resistance can also help to reduce the effective weight of the vehicle. If you are transporting items on a roof rack, ensure that they are securely fastened and streamlined to minimize drag. If possible, avoid transporting items on the outside of your vehicle, as this can significantly increase wind resistance and reduce fuel efficiency.
Finally, 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 can also lead to decreased traction and uneven wear patterns, negatively impacting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust it according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
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Regular maintenance
Firstly, ensure that you are using the correct type of fuel for your diesel engine. If you are unsure, consult a professional mechanic or refer to your engine manufacturer's manual.
Secondly, keep your engine well-oiled by performing regular oil changes with high-quality oil. This will ensure that the engine's parts move smoothly, reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency. Clean or replace your air and fuel filters regularly, as dirty or clogged filters can hinder engine performance and lead to unnecessary fuel waste. Listen to your engine for any unusual sounds, such as grinding or clicking, as these may indicate that it's time to change the oil or that there could be an underlying issue.
Additionally, pay attention to your fuel injectors. Worn-out fuel injectors can negatively impact fuel economy, so be sure to replace them when necessary. If you're comfortable with modifications, you can also consider tempering with the injectors by splicing the injector lines with pressure sensors to gain a better understanding of your fuel mixture. However, this may require further adjustments to the fuel pressure, and it's important to note that any modifications come with additional costs.
Another important aspect of regular maintenance is tire pressure. Incorrectly inflated tires can significantly impact fuel economy. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder, while over-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear and decreased traction. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This will help you maintain optimal fuel efficiency and extend the lifespan of your tires.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to improve your diesel engine's fuel mileage through behavioural changes. Firstly, avoid accelerating quickly and maintain a smooth, steady acceleration to prevent excessive fuel burning. Secondly, stick to the speed limit as driving at high speeds forces the engine to work harder, using more fuel. Thirdly, reduce the weight of your vehicle as a lightweight vehicle puts less strain on the engine and improves fuel efficiency. Lastly, avoid stopping and starting too much as maintaining a consistent speed improves fuel economy.
There are several modifications you can make to improve your diesel engine's fuel mileage. Firstly, ensure your engine is well-maintained by regularly changing the oil and keeping the filters clean. Secondly, maintain optimal tyre pressure as under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder, while over-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear and decreased traction, both negatively impacting fuel economy. Thirdly, consider installing aftermarket performance parts such as performance air filters, performance exhaust systems, or performance chips and programmers, which can improve the functions of your diesel engine and enhance fuel economy.
To monitor your diesel engine's fuel mileage, you can calculate your fuel economy by dividing the miles driven since the last fill-up by the amount of fuel added. Additionally, installing a monitor that tracks your miles per gallon in real time can help curb aggressive driving behaviours that lower fuel mileage. To maximise fuel mileage, find the "sweet spot" for your engine, which is when it is operating at peak torque and has the potential to improve fuel economy by a third or more.
