I bought a used diesel beetle with about 85,000 miles. I was told i should get around 50+ MPG, but so far the best I've gotten is 47. Mostly around 44. I drive 90% highway at speeds around 70. It's a manual transmission. Do I have a problem? Should I be getting better mileage? How can I improve the mileage. I know all the basic fixes and have done them all. Is there something else i need to have checked? What does anyone think about additives to the diesel that clean and such? Thank sto anyone that can help.
2007-09-10 03:55:21 · 5 answers · asked by stank88 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
I think I would be happy with the mileage you are getting.
Diesels are very speed sensitive, Take your hwy speeds from 70 down to 60 and you WILL see a big improvement. My diesel pickup gets 24 mpg at 60 but only 20 mpg at 70. If I can drive 50 (seldom!!!) I see 27 mpg.
Try a good fuel injector cleaner like Lucas or Chevron. or I think Howe's is still available but mainly at truck stops.
I have never tired Power Service additives, but I have read they do make a big difference. I have used Howe's in the winter to prevent gelling, but now I live in Texas, so I don't need it anymore. Since they came out with ULS diesel, I dump 1 qt of cheap ATF (auto trans fluid) in for every 20 gallons of fuel to keep my injector pump lubricated.
2007-09-10 04:07:50 · answer #1 · answered by texblueskypilot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would replace the fuel filter. diesel engines need a little more care, especially with the fuel filter. as far as the MPGs, i think the issue is your speed, not the car. 70+ MPH will hurt your fuel economy. I don't have the exact figures, but mileage starts dropping off somewhere around 60-65 MPH. above that, and I think you are losing a bit of the econonmy. other than that, try to drive more steady/even, no fast starts, and smoother, more timely shifts. my father drove a jetta diesel with an AT, and he got about 45 MPG
2007-09-10 11:06:15 · answer #2 · answered by forjj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this. the EPA does the highway speed test at approximately a 60mph average speed, not 70mph, that 10mph difference can easily cause a 10% drop in fuel economy.
So if you want to get closer to the EPA numbers, drive slower!
Most cars are most fuel efficient at a speed between 50-55mph, which is partially the reason for the original 55mph speed limit. As speed limits have increased in the past decade, fuel economy has decreased.
2007-09-10 11:07:46 · answer #3 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you have a problem. I have a 2005 Golf Diesel, and I have never gotten better than 46 MPG, even with my manual transmission. I do have a bit of a lead foot - I think I got better when I was driving slower, but not significantly better...
2007-09-10 12:30:53 · answer #4 · answered by Char 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely keep that fuel filter changed and try a good diesel fuel additive/injector cleaner like this one from Amsoil: http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1463115&page=StoreFront/adf
Also, synthetic motor oil reduces frictional losses and increases fuel economy. Check this out: http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1463115&page=StoreFront/afl
2007-09-10 22:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋