Its essential to conduct regular maintenance and employ specific practices. Using the correct type of oil is critical, not just for engine lubrication but also to ensure the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) remains clean, has fewer carbon deposits, functions efficiently with fewer regeneration burns, thereby reducing backpressure and the fuel needed for so many burn-offs. Keeping the air filter clean is another straightforward yet effective method to enhance performance; a clean filter allows for optimal airflow to the engine, enhancing combustion efficiency.
Keeping all sensors clean and working effectively through testing, such as the Manifold Air Flow sensor (MAF) intake air temperature sensor (IAT) and manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP), can be significant. The MAF sensor information is used by the engine control unit (ECU) to calculate and deliver the correct fuel mass to the engine, ensuring optimal combustion, performance, and efficiency.
Carbon cleaning the intake manifold and valves can significantly reduce buildup that hinders airflow and engine efficiency, further improving fuel economy. Lastly, the use of a quality fuel injection cleaner, and replacing the fuel filter helps maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of the injectors, ensuring fuel is atomised correctly for complete combustion, which, in turn, optimises fuel economy. These steps, when done regularly, can contribute significantly to maintaining your vehicle's efficiency.
Other considerations include:
Improving diesel economy can be significantly influenced by optimising driving habits and vehicle setup. Maintaining the correct tyre pressures is crucial; under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, requiring more fuel to maintain the same speed. By ensuring tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels, especially when towing a load, you can reduce this resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, reducing high-speed driving on the motorway can lead to substantial fuel savings.
Consider your suspension setup and wheel alignment. Carrying a heavy load with stock suspension, with the load pressing down on the tow ball can raise the front and drop the rear of your vehicle. This throws out your wheel alignment, increases drag, tyre wear and causes poor aerodynamic drag.
Higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag, requiring more fuel to maintain speed. Keeping speeds at a moderate level can thus improve fuel economy. For 4x4 vehicles, setting them up to reduce wind drag is another effective strategy. This can involve removing unnecessary external accessories, using more aerodynamic roof racks, or even adjusting the vehicle's stance if possible to lower its profile, thereby reducing the amount of fuel needed to overcome air resistance.
Dyno tuning:
An improvement in fuel economy achieved by dyno tuning is largely due to optimised fueling, air-fuel ratios, advanced timing, and other minor tweaks to the ECU parameters.
It's important to note that exploring the new power from a dyno tune may negate any fuel savings achieved by dyno tuning.
It important not to go overboard with dyno tuning an emissions system equipped vehicle, as some workshops do. Excessive fueling, high soot concentration with over fueling can have a severely negative effect on economy through DPF blocking and excessive regeneration.
If you're having fuel economy issues with your vehicle, it's important to complete the required maintenance and take note of all the information we provided above before leaping into a dyno tune, as the dyno tune is no magic pill for fixing economy but more to improve economy for a well-maintained vehicle.
Thanks for reading,
Maia
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general informational purposes only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Vehicle maintenance and modifications can vary by model and manufacturer. Always consult with a professional and your vehicle's manufacturer before undertaking any suggested maintenance or modifications. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the implementation of the information provided.
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