Does cold weather affect diesel economy?
Just like with gasoline, refiners have to change the composition of diesel fuel in the winter to help it function better in the cold weather. But most of these additions to the fuel result in less energy value (and lower mileage). Consider that normal #2 diesel fuel might have about 140,000 BTUs of energy per gallon.
What is the most economical speed to drive a diesel car?
The Energy Saving Trust says that the most efficient speed you can travel in a car in terms of achieving the best fuel economy is 55-65mph. Any faster, though, and the fuel efficiency decreases rapidly. For example, driving at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph (oh, and it’s illegal too).
Do diesels use more fuel in winter?
As the winter diesel is lighter than during summer time, the consumption will be affected by the changing of the molecules in the diesel, and in fact will change the fuel consumption during the winter.
Do Diesels run better in cold weather?
Metal cylinder walls become very cold when the temperature drops, so most vehicles are harder to start in cold weather. Because diesel engines require much higher temperatures to fire the fuel, they’ve always been harder to start in cold weather than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Are diesels bad in cold weather?
Cold weather can cause starting problems in diesel vehicles because the fuel tends to gel. Most consumers cannot control what kind of fuel they get at the pump. The recommended grade of diesel fuel for passenger vehicles is No. 2 which has some naturally occurring wax that crystallizes when the temperatures drop.
Is it bad to cold start a diesel?
“Modern diesel engines start in cold weather with very little effort.” The problem is that diesel jells at low temperatures. Below about 40°F, certain hydrocarbons in diesel turn gelatinous. Low temperatures aren’t a problem for gasoline engines because gasoline is much more flammable than diesel.
Are cold starts bad for diesels?
Myth #2: Diesel engines won’t start in the winter. “Modern diesel engines start in cold weather with very little effort.” Diesel isn’t so volatile; if you tossed that match into a pool of diesel, it would go out.” Glow plugs and other remedies, however, effectively vaporize diesel to prepare it for combustion.
Why do diesels hate the cold?
How long does a diesel Need to warm up?
Myth: Diesel engines need to warm up at idle for 5 to 10 minutes or more especially on cold days before driving them. Fact: This is one of the most common myths about diesel engines. Most engine manufacturers recommend that newer diesel engines idle for no more than 3 minutes before driving.
Which is the best fuel for cold weather diesel?
Here is the fuel additive I recommend Lucas Extreme Cold Weather Diesel Fuel Treatment (Link to Amazon) Lucas Extreme Cold Temperature Fuel Treatment with Anti-Gel was developed to eliminate fuel gelling problems in all types of diesel fuels, even bio-diesel.
Why are diesels so bad in the Cold?
Driving style is completely unchanged. Not 100% certain but mine is down by about the same amount too. I would imagine its to do with the fuel being more dense in the cold or because the engines of diesels are generally cooler than petrol ones the cold weather makes it work a little harder.
Why does winter diesel have lower mpg than summer diesel?
Winter diesel has a higher benzin content than summer diesel. The benzin reduces the tendancy for the fuel to wax at lower temperatures. The additional benzin content reduces the calorific value of the fuel, so for a given volume of fuel you will get less energy out of it – hence lower mpg for steady state driving conditions
When to start a diesel car in cold weather?
Do not attempt to start the vehicle until the indicator lamp has turned off. The glow plugs or intake heater must heat up the air in or on the way to the combustion chamber in order to create the correct temperature for Diesel to burn and combust.
