How To Improve A Diesel Truck's Fuel Economy

Published on 02/28/2022

how to improve a diesel trucks fuel economy

One of the advantages of diesel engines is their impressive fuel economy. The higher energy content of diesel fuel allows cars to get about 30% more miles per gallon than gasoline engines. You can do even more to maximize the fuel efficiency of your diesel engines.

Experienced mechanics and professional drivers know that every dollar lost at the fuel pump cuts into their profit. Over the years, the pros have learned these best practices. The team at All Bay Diesel wants to share these industry best practices with you because we want you to be satisfied with your fuel economy and engine performance.

Best Practices For Improving The Fuel Economy Of Your Diesel Truck

Follow this link to learn more about how to improve fuel economy and diesel repair service by All Bay Diesel.

Fuel additives

Many companies produce additives that improve engine performance. Some prevent clogs or reduce corrosion, while others improve the quality of the fuel by stabilizing it and helping it function more effectively in cold weather.

The better your diesel engine system works, the more effective it will convert fuel into horsepower and torque. While there is debate over how much additives improve fuel efficiency, additives are an essential part of an overall plan for engine maintenance and care.

Driving strategies

One of the most cost-effective ways to increase your fuel economy for many drivers is to change their driving style. Much of the power produced by a car or truck’s engine is spent on acceleration and braking. Braking causes you to lose energy by turning it into heat and wearing out your brake pads.

Maintaining a steady speed and using only enough fuel to keep your vehicle from coast to a stop will minimize losses to braking.  On highways, maintain a constant speed, and resist the temptation to accelerate to pass other drivers.

Some drivers accelerate the moment a light turns green, only to slam on their brakes at a red light a few blocks later. If you see a red light up ahead, why race to meet it? Let yourself coast as you approach the light before applying the brake.

Cruise control helps to maintain a steady speed on highways. If you can set your cruise control on a fuel-efficient speed (for diesel engines, this should be below 65 mph), you don’t have to worry about your speed on long stretches of empty roads.

Don’t let cruise control let you become complacent. Remember to adjust your speed to accommodate traffic flow and road conditions.

Inflate tires properly

Underinflated tires dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. Keep a pressure gauge with you, and pay attention to low-pressure warnings from your vehicle. Keep an air compressor in your trunk so you can top up your tires when they need it.

Air conditioning and heating

Air conditioning and heating use a lot of power, which can dramatically reduce fuel economy. You don’t have to swelter or freeze; simply changing the temperature settings by a few degrees can reduce the activity of your car’s climate control system and reduce fuel consumption.

You may wonder whether it’s better to roll down the windows and turn off AC to save fuel, but this is a complicated question. Rolling down the windows makes your vehicle less aerodynamic, which is a literal drag on fuel efficiency.

The television show MythBusters investigated how to improve fuel economy by turning off the AC. They found that the AC was less efficient than driving with the windows open. Some experts recommend rolling down the windows for city driving, where aerodynamics is less of an issue. On the highway, where drag is more of a problem and driving with the windows open is uncomfortable, switch back to the AC.

Performance upgrades

A diesel engine is a precision piece of machinery. Having the best engine components allows your engine to receive fuel at the optimal time, without impurities. If your fuel pump, fuel injection system, or electronic control module aren’t up to the task, more advanced models could improve your fuel efficiency.

Keeping your engine in top condition

In many cases, you don’t have to replace your existing engine or fuel system parts to improve fuel economy. Regular tune-ups are a crucial way to maintain the health of your engine. By replacing filters, changing oil, and cleaning up residue that builds up over time, we can help your old diesel engine perform like new.

Choose All Bay Diesel For Engine Repair And Tune-Ups

If your engine is not working at its best, come to All Bay Diesel. We offer professional and affordable Berkeley diesel engine repair. We’ll know how to improve fuel economy and will do whatever you need, from a tune-up to a total engine rebuild, to keep your diesel vehicle running smoothly. Call us at (925) 522-1780 to talk to one of our team members. We’ll send a mobile diesel repair truck out to your location.

Call Now: (925) 522-1780