If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle, whether a truck or a car, you’re probably looking to get the best mileage possible.
Let’s look at some practical tips and tricks for getting more mileage out of your diesel tank.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is one of the most simple ways to improve fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase resistance, requiring your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure on a regular basis, and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Leaving your engine running while parked wastes fuel and gets you nowhere. If you will be stationary for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern diesel engines are built to withstand frequent starts and stops, so avoiding unnecessary idling will not harm them.
Use Cruise Control Wisely
Cruise control can be an effective tool for maintaining a consistent speed, particularly on highways. This steadiness saves fuel by avoiding unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that can occur when manually controlling speed. Just be cautious when using it in hilly areas, as the engine may work harder than necessary.
Limit Air Conditioning Use
Running the air conditioning puts extra strain on your engine, which can lead to higher fuel consumption. Use the A/C sparingly and consider using the vehicle’s ventilation system with the windows cracked.
Optimize Your Speed
According to research, driving at slower, more consistent speeds increases fuel efficiency. For example, slowing down from 70 mph to 60 mph can significantly reduce your fuel consumption. While it may increase your travel time slightly, the fuel savings can make it worthwhile.
Lighten the Load
Carrying extra weight in your vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or cargo area, and if you don’t need the roof rack, remove it. Every extra pound can add up and affect how much fuel you use.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Maintaining your vehicle in good condition is critical for increasing fuel efficiency. Change the oil on a regular basis, replace the air filter, and keep an eye on the fuel injectors. To keep your fuel injectors running efficiently, clean or replace them as part of your routine maintenance.
Use Synthetic Oil
Switching to synthetic oil has advantages beyond just fuel efficiency. Synthetic oil reduces friction in your engine, allowing it to operate more smoothly and use less fuel. This minor change can yield significant benefits.
Plan Your Routes
Plan your trips around heavy traffic, construction zones, and other factors that may cause delays and stop-and-go driving. Apps and GPS devices can provide current traffic information and assist you in selecting the most efficient routes.
Pay Attention to Aerodynamics
Anything attached to your vehicle that disrupts its smooth shape creates drag, which reduces fuel efficiency. If you must use roof racks or other external carriers, try to remove them when not in use to reduce drag and, consequently, fuel consumption.
Accelerate and Decelerate Smoothly
Aggressive driving, such as quick acceleration and braking, consumes more fuel. Try to drive smoothly, gradually accelerating and decelerating. This not only improves ride comfort, but it also saves fuel.
Use High-Quality Diesel
Fuel quality has a significant impact on how efficiently your engine runs. Low-quality or contaminated diesel fuel can degrade performance and mileage. Consider using additives if you suspect the fuel quality is subpar and stick with a reputable fuel supplier.
Monitor Fuel Consumption
Monitoring your fuel consumption can help you better understand your driving habits and identify areas for improvement. Many modern vehicles come with fuel consumption monitoring systems. Use these tools to assess your driving performance and make changes to improve efficiency.
Avoid Short Trips
Starting a cold engine consumes more fuel than running a warm engine. Combine errands into a single longer trip to reduce the number of cold engine starts.
Keep Your Engine Tuned
A well-tuned engine operates more efficiently. Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommendations for timing belt and spark plug replacements, and keep your engine tuned to ensure peak performance and fuel efficiency.
Incorporating these tips and tricks into your driving habits and vehicle maintenance routine can significantly improve diesel fuel efficiency. Small changes can lead to substantial long-term savings, enabling you to get the most out of each tank. Enjoy your drive!