Diesel fuel prices have gotten out of control. Because of surging fuel prices, fuel economy is more important than ever. We at Prosource Diesel have compiled tips that any diesel pickup truck can use to net better fuel mileage.
Whether you own a truck with a Ford Powerstroke, Dodge Ram Cummins or Chevy / GMC Duramax engine, you can take some basic steps to improve diesel fuel economy without sacrificing tons of time or money.
Start simple. Better diesel fuel mileage can be as easy as regular routine truck maintenance. If you’re not already making regular oil changes, filter changes, or tune-ups for your engine, then doing so is our first recommendation. Regular diesel truck maintenance ensures that all your systems are performing at their highest level possible.
We can’t stress the importance of replacing your fuel and air filters! Your horsepower and fuel economy will suffer with old and dirty filters. Exchanging old filters for new ones ensures your engine isn’t working harder than it needs to. Simply replacing a dirty filter can improve your performance by as much as 20 to 50 horsepower.
Making sure your truck has regular oil changes is just as important as changing filters. Fresh oil ensures your engine’s parts are properly lubricated. Old oil is less effective, and friction between these parts robs your engine of power.
Engine oil isn’t the only oil that needs replacement –be sure to freshen your transmission oil, transfer case oil, and differential oil as well. These systems are more effective when they’re not working through thick sludge.
Every diesel pickup truck needs a regular maintenance schedule to keep it in prime condition. Check with your truck’s manufacturer to see how often you need to perform these services and refer to our Guide to Diesel Truck Maintenance for the recommended service intervals.
If you’re not familiar with synthetic lubricants, you might be skeptical of their capabilities. Some manufacturers claim that their lubricants can increase fuel economy –and while that might be hard to accept, we can confirm that synthetic lubricants really can increase your diesel pickup’s gas mileage.
Replacing your regular motor oil with a synthetic mixture can increase your fuel economy anywhere between 2% to 5%. That might not seem like a whole not, but synthetic lubricants don’t just help your engine. These formulas can also be used with your transmission, transfer case, and front and rear differentials.
The fact is synthetics are just better at lubricating your truck’s moving parts and reducing the friction between them. When your diesel parts have an easier time moving, you get better fuel mileage.
Note: When moving to synthetic fluids, make sure the original fluid requirements/specs are met or exceeded by the product you are considering. If they meet or exceed your OEs requirements, you will benefit from the switch. Otherwise, a synthetic fluid that does not meet the OE specifications may cause more harm than good.
While monitoring your truck’s boost fits under regular maintenance, this topic is important enough to warrant its own discussion. You might not think it’s important, but we’re here to tell you your boost gauge, in addition to being fun to watch, serves a special purpose.
Your truck’s boost is directly tied to the performance of your turbocharged diesel engine. Your boost gauge shows you how much power your truck makes, so watching it makes sure you catch small problems you might otherwise overlook.
For example, let’s say your truck’s power level is supposed to have 20psi of boost. If you see that number dip, it might tip you off to other problems your engine is having. You’ll be privy to any number of potential problems –be it an issue with your intercooler boot or a leak in your turbo’s exhaust pipe.
It could even be a dirty air filter or fuel filter. Sometimes better power and fuel mileage can be as easy as paying attention to your truck’s vitals.
If you’ve never owned a diesel-powered truck before, you might think you can drive it like you could your regular gas-powered truck. Doing this is fine, it doesn’t hurt your engine but it can hurt your fuel economy.
If you want the best mileage out of your new diesel engine, increase your speed limit gradually, don’t punch the accelerator pedal as soon as you see a green light. Diesel trucks like it nice and steady.
For an efficient engine, you need to increase your airflow both in and out. Working on your fresh air intake and exhaust side may set you back a few dollars, but it’s well worth the boost in mileage you get out of it.
If you have a performance exhaust system, you can improve your diesel truck mileage even further. If you want better airflow, and better fuel mileage, a cold air intake and a 4-inch free-flowing exhaust are your best options.
Adding a BD Diesel high flow air filter can also make huge improvements to your airflow. These filters are special because they allow greater airflow, which lowers your exhaust temperatures alongside increasing your fuel power. If you want exhaust improvement, then a Spoologic performance turbocharger is your best option for getting more air out. It will increase your air flow up to 33%!
We hope we’ve taught you a thing or two about how your diesel truck works –and how to improve that pickup’s fuel mileage as well. Do you still have more questions about diesel truck parts? Shoot us an email or give us a call. We’re excited to see you and your new-and-improved diesel truck out on the road!