Although diesel vehicles are noted for their poor emissions control, it is undeniable that they provide greater power and fuel economy than an equivalent petrol engine. Fuel efficiency of a diesel engine is up to 35 percent more fuel-efficient than a petrol engine of the same size, and new ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel is comparable in emission levels to petrol. Even so, it is possible to get greater diesel fuel economy by making just a few improvements to a diesel vehicle.
Performance Chips
One of the best ways to improve diesel fuel economy is to install a diesel performance chip. This chip may replace the factory chip already in the vehicle or it may be added on through module or tuner. The chip operates how the engine handles in various circumstances, enhancing how the available torque is used. Improving how the diesel fuel is used by the engine improves the diesel fuel economy.
Intakes and Air Filters
One of the simplest ways to improve diesel fuel economy is to upgrade the intake system. Increasing the efficiency in which air is pulled into the engine increases fuel efficiency. New high-flow air filters not only increase performance, but they are washable so they never need replacing.
Exhaust
In addition to a performance intake system and air filter increasing diesel fuel efficiency, fuel efficiency can also be increased with a performance exhaust system. Factory exhaust systems are notoriously inefficient, requiring the engine to force exhaust out instead of letting it pass freely. Many people believe that with the installation of a catalytic converter or particulate filter for emissions control, the exhaust system doesn’t matter, but a larger-diameter exhaust system has shown to translate directly into fuel efficiency.
Propane Injection
Propane injection has been used for years to improve horsepower and increase diesel fuel economy. Properly injected, propane keeps carbon from building up in the engine and increasing the octane of diesel fuel. Propane injection is the method of choice for increasing fuel efficiency when towing heavy loads.
Water-Methanol Injection
Similar to propane injection, water-methanol injection increases horsepower and diesel fuel efficiency, especially when towing. Mater-methanol injection upgrades can be added to any diesel vehicle, no matter the size or purpose. In addition, water-methanol injection is safe for all emissions control devices.
Maintenance
Increasing diesel fuel efficiency in older vehicles is sometimes simply a matter of maintenance. Diesel fuel injectors and pumps are high-precision components, and if they are not working properly, fuel efficiency will suffer.