Tips to improve your diesel car mileage

Anyone planning to buy a car faces a straightforward choice to make – do I opt for a petrol or diesel engine? Buying a new or second-hand car is another decision that needs to be taken. Similar to a new car loan, lenders also offer second hand car loan for those who wish to buy a preowned vehicle.

Used car loan eligibility is usually easier to meet due to the lower price of the vehicle. The decision of whether to buy a new or used car is often a financial one. However, when it comes to choosing between a petrol or diesel variant, a certain amount of know-how is required. 

Though the price difference between petrol and diesel is decreasing; diesel engines offer better mileage. Here are some ways in which you can further improve your diesel car mileage:

Avoiding over acceleration 

A diesel car doesn’t need to be accelerated beyond a quarter of the pedal. This keeps the engine in the required power range for each gear. Accelerating beyond that will only lead to the burning of fuel and not much in terms of output. 

Torque and rev balance 

A diesel engine doesn’t need to be accelerated a lot as it produces more torque at lower revolution per minute (rpm). To get the ideal rev torque balance, you must keep your car’s peak torque in mind. If the car’s specifications indicate a maximum torque of 200 nm @ 1800 RPM, the gear shift should be made after revving slightly past the 1800 RPM mark. This practice ensures better diesel car mileage.

Gear over-revving 

You may be able to rev your car at a higher rpm, but most diesel cars see a fall in torque beyond 2500 rpm. Revving beyond it only burns fuel. It is, hence, wise to downshift a gear and maintain the right rpm. It will give you more power with less consumption of diesel.

Using engine braking 

When you anticipate the need to lower speed, use the engine braking rather than the brakes. As you take your foot off the acceleration, the engine slows down, and fuel consumption comes to a halt. Applying brakes not only leads to more fuel consumption but also causes wear and tear of the brakes.

Other best practices: 

1. Find your car’s optimum speed and try to stick to it. For most diesel cars, it is between 60 and 70 kilometers per hour. 
2. If you are idle for over a minute, turning off the engine saves fuel.
3. Maintain the air pressure that is ideal for your car’s wheels.
4. Try not to miss the scheduled car servicing and keep the air filters clean.
5. Sudden acceleration and halt consume more fuel. Keep it slow and steady while starting and stopping.
6. Switch off the air conditioning as it consumes additional fuel. Roll down the windows, enjoy the breeze instead.

Used cars are becoming a popular choice, especially due to COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking for a second-hand diesel car, you can apply for used car loan from any financial institution. 

Jennifer Eonflux