Diesel engines are well-known for their efficiency and long lifespan. To maximize its potential, however, proper care must be taken when operating them. Here are some helpful hints that will ensure you get the most from your diesel car.
1) When driving uphill, be careful not to apply full clutch. Doing this could damage the clutch. Instead, leave only enough clutch & brake for forward progress and enjoy seeing your diesel moving forward!
1. Get the Gear-Shifts Right
Diesel cars require shifting at lower rpm ranges than their gasoline-engined counterparts; typically around 2000rpm.
Use of the right gears will enable you to accelerate more smoothly and efficiently. For instance, approaching a roundabout requires shifting into second gear for vehicles with 1.4-1.6 litre engines such as Ford Fiesta or Citreon DS3.
Avoid revving beyond what your transmission can handle and ease strain on its transmission by depressing the clutch before pressing down on the accelerator pedal, as this can protect its transmission from being damaged by overrevving. Also make sure you depress it before applying pressure to accelerate, in order to protect its health and reduce wear-and-tear on it.
2. Drive Smoothly
Diesel engines can be an ideal choice for people who regularly make long trips at high speeds, as their higher torque makes them perfect for transporting heavy loads.
However, when driving a diesel car it is essential to drive smoothly; sudden acceleration and braking waste fuel. Also ensure you idle for about one minute after starting it in order to prevent soot build-up on its injectors – doing this will ensure you enjoy an effortless journey and boost mileage simultaneously! By adhering to these tips you’ll experience both comfort and improved mileage!
3. Drive at a Slow Speed
Diesel cars differ from gasoline-powered engines by having high torque at lower RPMs. Operating your engine in this optimal range will increase fuel efficiency.
Driving slowly will reduce wear on your engine components and protect it from premature engine damage, saving money on repairs while decreasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Use of your car’s cruise control when traveling on flat terrain will enable you to keep a constant speed without pressing on the gas pedal, improving fuel efficiency while making highway driving more comfortable. Furthermore, engine braking (gearing down) uses less fuel than acceleration or braking in terms of lowering car speeds.
4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Maintaining proper tire inflation will enhance fuel efficiency and help prevent uneven wear on your tires. Underinflated tires create greater rolling resistance that requires your engine to work harder and lead to reduced gas mileage.
Always inspect your tire pressure regularly, particularly during the summer season. Your recommended tire pressure can typically be found on an inside door sticker or your owner’s manual.
Never fill your tires to the maximum pressure listed on their sidewall; doing so could result in uneven wear and reduced safety of your vehicle. Instead, adhere to manufacturer recommended pressure levels.
5. Avoid High Revs
Diesels do not enjoy running at high revs; it damages their engines and leads to premature wear and tear. At high revs, engines become scorched from within and their lubrication evaporates completely leaving pistons and other metal components vulnerable and fragile.
Diesel engines do not possess the powerband found in petrol engines at higher rpm, meaning that to maximize torque output they must be run at lower revs.
Due to diesels’ superior torque, however, coordinating brake and clutch controls to drive an inclined car using only brake & clutch controls is relatively easy.
6. Keep the DPF Clean
A DPF is essential in reducing harmful emissions, but its anti-pollution device can quickly become clogged with soot when poor driving practices are utilized. Luckily, there are ways you can keep your DPF clean.
Regular DPF regeneration is key to keeping it working effectively. This usually happens during extended motorway driving sessions when exhaust temperatures can reach high levels and burn away soot deposits.
Utilizing diesel engine oil specifically formulated to facilitate DPF regeneration is equally essential. Not only will this type of oil help the engine run more smoothly, but it will also protect its DPF filter against contamination while helping ensure maximum drivability and fuel economy for better engine performance.
7. Don’t Stop and Start
If you drive a diesel car and find yourself having difficulty starting it in cold weather, something could be amiss with its compression. Low compression may also occur from wear-and-tear on its engine parts.
This issue often arises when the engine’s nozzle or needles become worn-down, allowing oil mist into its air intake as it cranks. Over time, this mist of oil is burned by the engine as it continues to turn over, producing even more “mist oil”. To avoid this situation altogether, keeping your diesel car in a warm location and using an additional fuel filter are two effective strategies that may prevent this occurrence from taking place.
8. Drive at a Steady Speed
Steady driving allows you to save fuel. Accelerating rapidly burns more gas and produces more air pollution; instead, try anticipating what lies ahead on the road and slowing down before reaching stop lights.
Revving a diesel engine is unnecessary and wastes fuel. Older diesels typically thrive between 2000-3000rpm; however, newer models offer great torque at much lower rpm.
On a graded inclines, you can save fuel by coordinating clutch, brake & throttle use. Due to their massive torque, diesel vehicles are capable of moving uphill without applying an excessive amount of throttle.
9. Don’t Overshoot
Diesel engines require additional care compared to their gas counterparts, costing more upfront and having higher fuel costs; however, due to its greater efficiency it could actually save money over time.
Aggressive driving wastes fuel, so avoiding sudden acceleration is critical to maximizing fuel economy in your diesel. Finding your cruising speed and sticking with it will greatly increase mileage.
Under- or over-inflated tires can significantly decrease fuel efficiency for diesel vehicles. To maximize performance, check tire psi levels regularly and adhere to manufacturer recommendations for best results.
