How to Increase the Efficiency of a Diesel Car

Diesel engines offer a unique blend of fuel efficiency and endurance for hauling heavy loads. Though there are fewer automobiles on the market that feature diesel engines, this blend makes a diesel-run car or truck an attractive choice for anyone looking for utility and efficiency. Here are some steps to make your diesel car run smoothly and use as little fuel as possible.

Instructions

1. Keep rolling resistance to a minimum by making sure that your car or truck's tires are fully inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

2. Avoid using the air conditioning as much as possible.

3. Avoid cruising with your windows rolled down at speeds greater than 35 miles per hour. The breeze may feel nice, but the increased resistance will drastically reduce efficiency.

4. Avoid filling your tank with a biodiesel fuel. While using biodiesel reduces harmful emissions and helps to reduce dependence on foreign oil, it can lower fuel efficiency and power by as much as 10 percent.

5. Adjust your driving habits to conserve fuel. Fast starts, sudden stops and traveling at high speeds all reduce efficiency and usually don't get you to your destination that much faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel, abbreviated ULSD, which improves the quality of your diesel engine's emissions without any noticeable loss of power. This fuel became the standard in the U.S. in 2006 and should be available at most highway gas stations.