Many Americans purchase diesel cars because of their impressive fuel efficiency. But fuel prices are ever-increasing. A recent Reuters feature reveals that diesel costs are expected to rise sharply in 2024. Thus, squeezing out every mile per gallon has become important.
Whether you’re planning to set out on a long road trip or are a daily commuter, improving your diesel car’s gas mileage must be your priority. In this blog post, we’ll share a few ways to help you increase your diesel car’s gas mileage. These will help you save money while becoming a more eco-friendly driver.
Keep Tires at the Right Pressure
Vehicles with underinflated tires use a lot of fuel. These tires create more rolling resistance, so your car’s engine has to work harder. A lot of gasoline is, thus, wasted.
Punctures aren’t always responsible for low tire pressure. A defective valve, hitting a pothole or sharp object, and temperature changes in the outside air can also cause tires to lose air over time.
If you want to increase the gas mileage of your car, check your tire pressure regularly. Ensure the tires are neither over-inflated nor under-inflated but at the right pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, resulting in smoother, more efficient driving.
Check your tires once every month and before every long trip. A tire gauge is a handy tool for checking tire pressure. Buy one, so you can check tire pressure whenever you want. Compare the readings with the recommended pressure of your car’s manufacturer. You’ll find it on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
Replace the Air Filter Often
Dirty or clogged air filters hinder the performance of a car, indirectly affecting fuel economy. The purpose of an air filter is to prevent contaminants like dirt, dust, and insects from getting into the engine. Over time, this filter gets clogged with pollutants. This restricts the airflow and forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption.
Replacing your car’s air filter too often will help it maintain peak performance, which will improve gas mileage. Change your air filter once a year or more than once if you drive in dusty conditions.
You must, however, check them regularly—typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. The vehicle owner’s manual usually specifies how often you should check air filters, so check it. A clean air filter will protect your engine from abrasive particles, reducing wear and tear and extending its lifespan.
Note that you might have to replace your air filters more often if you drive vehicles older than 1999—say, a second-generation Dodge Ram. Your 2nd gen vehicle will require more frequent air filter replacements to improve fuel economy. If you don’t do that, your Cummins engine will consume more gas than it should.
Installing an air filter is a pretty straightforward task. All you need is a 2nd-gen filter compatible with the Cummins engine and some basic tools. You can purchase 2nd gen Cummins parts at Diesel Power Products if you’re looking for high-quality air filters.
Go Easy on the Pedal
Whether you’re speeding or braking, go easy on the pedals. Aggressive driving behavior like hard braking or rapid acceleration can significantly reduce your diesel car’s fuel efficiency.
When you brake harshly, your vehicle’s engine uses more fuel to compensate for the sudden loss of momentum. Pressing hard on the accelerator, on the other hand, also forces the engine to burn more fuel to achieve the desired speed quickly.
You must anticipate stops and slow down gradually instead of braking harshly at the last moment. This smooth deceleration will allow your vehicle to use its momentum more effectively, helping it save fuel.
Also, try maintaining a steady speed to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. Cruise control helps avoid constant speed fluctuations, so use it on highways. This will contribute to better fuel economy.
Avoid Idling
When your engine idles, it burns fuel without moving. Idling causes a vehicle to use a quarter to a half gallon of diesel every hour, reveals Fuel Economy. Avoid idling whenever your car is immobile. This will help you conserve fuel as well as increase your car’s mileage.
Moreover, modern diesel engines use minimal fuel when restarting. Thus, turning off the engine during prolonged stops—such as in heavy traffic or waiting at a railroad crossing—can lead to significant fuel savings.
To sum things up, increasing the gas mileage of your diesel car will not only save you fuel and money, but also reduce your carbon footprint. The tips discussed here will help you enhance the fuel efficiency of your diesel car significantly, so implement them in your driving routine.
Make sure you get your car serviced as often as mentioned in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Consistent maintenance will help detect potential issues early on, ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. This will maximize fuel economy.
