[renton]

hi all

im coming over from a petrol car(vw passat 1.8 turbo) to a 2.0 tdci .

what is the best way to drive one of these then as it seemed to have a small rev range??

i want to drive it as economically as possible??

i know it sounds daft but ive never owned a diesel before !!

want sort of average mpg can i expect out of it too(mainly motorway btw)

thanks

steve

 

[Richard G]

The usual way to drive a diesel is to get up the box as fast as possible and keep the rev's in the green (providing there is a green sector that is)

As there isn't then a lot is by trial and error but I would suggest not usually to take it past about 3000 RPM unless needed, there should be enough torque to cover most cases. That way you ought to be able to get nearer 50 MPG even from the 2.0L

 

[CDORISMAX]

The max power is about 3500-4000 rpm, and the max torque is around 2000 rpm for 2.0l tdci.
Don't quote me on these but am sure they are near enough.
I try and change up at 2000 rpm and find that my mpg averages 43-47 . On a good run have averaged 69 (honest). Basingstoke to Leicester.staying with the lorries at 56mph. mostly.
I do take it to the rev limiter once a month or so to give it a good blow out. Probably does nothing more than remind me of mini ownership ( original [and best] mini..) but it must clear the exhaust at least?!

 

[MetalMicky08]

I too tend to change up at 2000 and I also use second a lot to pull away in,but not on hills.I usually go 1-3-5-6 or 2-4-5-6.This makes the most of the torque the 2.0 has to offer & I get 45/48 mpg round town & 55+ on a run.

 

[MetalMicky08]

Sorry,average mpg on motorway @ 70/75 is(for me anyway) 55/60mpg.

 

[renton]

cool thanks for that people!!

im used to revving the nuts off my passat as it redlines at 6500rpm.

only getting 26mpg round town and 33 on the motorway , so the change is fully justified!!

 

[MetalMicky08]

The less revs you use,the better the mpg.

 

[Smiley]

there are several rules for driving a diesel:
-don't wait for the engine to warm; diesel engine is getting warm very slow when it is idle
-while the engine is cold, don't drive it over 2000-2200 RPM
-after a long drive, don't stop the engine immediately, wait 2-3 minutes untilthe turbo will cool down.
-use good fuel
-don't use additives (Dura Lube or other similar "Engine treatment" substances)
-in winter, use diesel fuel that was prepared for winter
-don't drive with very low RPM. try to stay around the value for best torque (usually 2000 rpm)
-service your car regularly, with quality filters and oil.

 

[lawe]

Agree with all the above!
If you have it, use the cruise control on long journeys and when pulling away, just "feather" the throttle rather than plant it!
Regular oil & filter changes will help (perhaps every 6 months) and as Smiley says, use good diesel.
I am using Shell VPower and find that the engine is more relaxed and has more grunt when needed.