Sylvie Willis
With diesel fuel prices on the rise, it is important to know how to save fuel in a diesel car. There are several ways to increase your diesel engine's fuel mileage and save money. Firstly, you can watch your speed, as driving over 55 mph decreases fuel economy. Using cruise control can also help, as it optimises engine and travel speed, boosting efficiency. Additionally, you can reduce engine RPMs and avoid idling when possible, as it burns a significant amount of fuel. Using a fuel card is another way to save money on diesel fuel, as it offers discounts and spending controls.
How to save fuel in a diesel car
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use blends of high-quality biodiesel fuels | All available diesel models are compatible with blends of up to 20% high-quality renewable biodiesel fuels |
| Drive at a lower speed | For every mile per hour over 55, your fuel economy decreases by 0.1 miles per gallon |
| Use cruise control | Advanced cruise control systems are predictive and can optimize engine and travel speed, boosting efficiency |
| Operate in the highest possible gear | Reduce engine RPMs to reduce fuel consumption |
| Don't idle | Idling burns about 3/4 of a gallon of diesel fuel per hour in a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck |
| Use a fuel card | Many fuel card programs offer a discount, tracking, reporting, and spending controls |
| Use cashback cards | You can get up to 5% cashback with some cards |
| Use gasoline instead of diesel | Gasoline is 40 cents per litre cheaper |
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What You'll Learn
Use cruise control for smoother driving
Cruise control is a feature that allows drivers to maintain a constant speed without having to manually control the accelerator pedal. It was first introduced in the 1950s to help drivers maintain a steady speed, reduce driving fatigue, and improve fuel efficiency.
Using cruise control can help you achieve smoother driving, which in turn can reduce your fuel consumption. Advanced cruise control systems are predictive and can optimize engine and travel speed based on the load, improving efficiency.
However, it is important to note that cruise control is most effective on flat roads, freeways, or highways where your speed is consistent. On roads with inclines or in urban areas, cruise control may cause your vehicle to accelerate for longer than necessary, increasing fuel consumption.
Additionally, while cruise control can help maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, it should not be a substitute for attentive driving. External conditions like weather and traffic can influence the system's performance, and it may not react as quickly as a human driver to changing conditions.
Overall, when used in the right conditions, cruise control can be a valuable tool for achieving smoother driving and improving fuel efficiency in diesel vehicles.
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Avoid idling
Idling your diesel car can have a significant impact on fuel consumption and engine performance. Idling refers to the time when a vehicle is stationary with the engine running, such as when stopped at a traffic signal. While it may seem convenient to keep the engine running, especially in colder climates, idling can lead to increased fuel usage and decreased engine efficiency.
Firstly, it is important to understand that idling consumes fuel. In a Class 8 tractor-trailer truck, idling burns approximately 3/4 of a gallon of diesel fuel per hour. This can quickly add up, especially during longer periods of idling. For example, if your engine is idle for more than 20 minutes, its efficiency drops to zero, causing performance problems in diesel vehicles.
Secondly, idling can also lead to engine inefficiencies and damage. When a diesel engine runs idle, it consumes excessive fuel, and the gas produced washes down the cylinder walls, reducing the oil content surrounding them. This leads to decreased lubrication and increased engine wear. Additionally, idling for extended periods causes a build-up of carbon in the piston face, valves, and cylinders, further reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, idling has negative environmental consequences. Studies have shown that gas emissions during idling contain up to 40 toxic contaminants, contributing to air pollution and global warming. These emissions can have serious health impacts, including respiratory problems and, in some cases, premature death in children.
To avoid idling, it is recommended to shut down the engine when it is not necessary to keep it running. Modern vehicles do not require lengthy warm-up periods, and 30 seconds of idle time is typically sufficient for optimal performance. If you find yourself idling frequently, consider installing a monitor that tracks your miles per gallon in real time. This can help you become more aware of your driving habits and reduce unnecessary idling.
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Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safety, improving vehicle performance, decreasing fuel costs, and ensuring you get the most life out of your tyres. Under-inflated tyres are among the leading causes of tyre failure. They cause too much of the tyre to touch the road, increasing friction and wear. A tyre doesn't need to look flat to be under-inflated, so it's important to check the pressure with a tyre gauge. In fact, a tyre with 25% of its air let out still looks like a fully inflated tyre.
The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box, and in your owner's manual. Tyre manufacturers advise that just 5 psi below the recommended pressure could lessen a tyre's tread life by as much as 25%. A typical tyre may lose 1 to 2 psi a month if not checked and adjusted, so it's important to check your tyre pressure regularly. Changes in air temperature can cause the air pressure in tyres to increase when it's hot or decrease when it's cold, so try to always run your vehicle at the tyre manufacturer's suggested psi.
Underinflated tyres can lower gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1 psi drop in all four tyres. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA found that every 1% decrease in tyre pressure correlated to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy. Underinflation of the tyre by 10% increases fuel consumption by 2%, and by 4% when underinflated by 20%. With tyre pressure at 40% below the recommended level, the tyre's fuel consumption increases by 8%. This can have a significant effect over time, as tyres can naturally lose one to two PSI per month.
To improve your vehicle's fuel economy, ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
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Use a fuel card
Diesel fuel prices are on the rise, and if you own a diesel car, you might be looking for ways to save fuel and money. One way to do this is by using a fuel card.
A fuel card is a payment card that allows you to purchase fuel and related products and services. Fuel cards are often used by businesses to manage and control their fleet's fuel expenses. By using a fuel card, businesses can save money on their fuel purchases and improve their overall fuel efficiency.
There are several fuel card options available, each offering different benefits and features. For example, the Fuelman Diesel Fleet Card is tailored to businesses with vehicles that rely primarily on diesel fuel, such as trucks and buses. With this card, you can save money on every gallon of diesel fuel purchased at their 40,000+ discount locations.
Another option is the DAT One Fuel Card, which offers discounted fuel rates and additional benefits. This card allows users to access the Fuel Finder feature in the OTR Solutions app, helping them find the best rates along their route.
When choosing a fuel card, it's important to compare the different programs and pay attention to the details. While all programs will offer discounts and points, the additional services included can vary significantly.
By using a fuel card, you can save money on your diesel fuel purchases, making it a great way to reduce expenses, especially for businesses with large fleets.
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Use biodiesel blends
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable alternative fuel made from a blend of modified vegetable oils and diesel fuel. It is a good solvent with high lubricity, which can prolong the lifetime of certain engine components. Biodiesel blends are available at a growing number of locations nationwide.
All diesel models are compatible with blends of up to 20% biodiesel and 80% regular petroleum diesel. These blends are known as B20. Biodiesel blends are also commonly found in ratios of 2% (B2) and 5% (B5). Biodiesel is rarely used in its pure form (B100).
The use of biodiesel blends can help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. Biodiesel emits 11% less carbon monoxide and 10% less particulate matter than diesel. However, it is important to note that biodiesel performs worse than petroleum diesel in cold conditions and has higher lubricity, which can cause fuel filter clogs.
The cost of producing biodiesel is approximately the same as the price of producing petroleum. Federal policies and incentives, such as tax credits, have helped keep market prices competitive.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to save fuel in a diesel car. Firstly, watch your speed. For every mile per hour over 55, your fuel economy decreases. Secondly, use cruise control for smoother driving. Advanced cruise control systems can optimise engine and travel speed, boosting efficiency. Thirdly, reduce unnecessary weight in your car, as this can decrease your fuel mileage.
Using a fuel card can help you save money on diesel fuel. Many fuel card programs offer a fuel discount option, in addition to tracking, reporting, and spending controls. Some credit cards also offer cashback on fuel purchases.
Yes, you can use blends of high-quality biodiesel fuels. All available diesel models are compatible with blends of up to 20% high-quality renewable biodiesel fuels. These low-carbon biofuels help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions.
