Hi 

 

I have bought Octavia 2003 model (1.9 TDI 105 HP). This is the first diesel car I am driving and I am loving it . I would like to know from you experts some best practices of running diesel car. 

Since I am not driving that much per day only 30-35 km. I understand from others that diesel engine is good for longer milleage. But under my situation what could be the best practice for getting best efficiency of my low millage. Does it harm if I not drive much per day ? do I need extra care for the engine ? please help me to clarify my confusion.

 

Advance thanks for your reading and reply.

 

Regards 

Umair

It would mostly depend on the type of driving. If that 30km is on open roads then you shouldn't have any problems at all. The only issues are when it can't get warm or stay warm, which a diesel on idle generally cant, especially in winter. As you don't have a DPF, you don't need to worry about that either.

I'd advise having the car serviced on a time (aka fixed mileage) basis rather than variable mileage which is really intended for cars that do lots of long trips.

Block up the front grill in the cold, make sure an engine under tray is fitted as well to try and keep as much heat in as possible. 

 

With my TDI 110 I don't rag it when cold and generally accelerate gradually, although still at an appropriate pace for traffic. Once it is fully up to temperature it is good to accelerate as hard as possible onto motorways etc. Get the turbo nice and hot and clear the vanes out.

Thanks all... As I am hearing that keeping the engine warm is the bottom line i.e. when I starts the car in idle it gets much time to reach 90 degree than I start driving at the speed of 40-50 kmph

Throttle must be given after the engine is fully warm. Please comment on my understadnings ....

 

One more question if I keep the diesel engine running for couple of minutes in idle position (eg when I shop or leave my kids to school etc ) ... is this good habit for the engine or does it harm  apart from fuel inefficiency ? I mean...turning off engine for couple of minutes and restart again.... 

 

sorry for my stupid questions

Get in and drive it normally. Its far worse to let it warm up on idle.

 

Idling once warm is not a problem at all and barely sips fuel.

If you have been on a high speed run, such as stopping for fuel on a motorway, it is good practice to let it idle for a minute to let the turbo slow down and cool. Normal driving, would just switch off straight away.

Thanks a lot guys... my understanding from others that you keep the car warm up on idle for couple of minutes. Winter is coming soon the the temperature you know reaches -5 to -10 degree... so what would be the best in the morning that is first time start...

 

 

Just drive normally. Start it up and let it idle for a few seconds then drive!

 

As long as the oil is pumping the turbo and rest of the engine are getting fed oil. Then it's best to get driving to get everything warmed up asap.

 

Just avoid pushing it hard until it's warm.

 

Then take it for a regular good run including at full operating temperature and using some full throttle etc to keep everything clear.

 

Phil

no no no, this engine simply will not warm up at Idle. Just start it up and drive it gently, straight away. You could let it idle for an hour in -5oC and it wouldn't be warm I reckon.

 

If you can stand it best not to turn the heat on straight away either, just adding more cooling effect to the engine I think, although I could be wrong here.

Just thought... is this definitely a MK1 Octavia as you say 1.9 TDI 105?

 

I thought the MK1 was only available with 1.9 90 or 110 then later they did it with the PD130.

 

the 105 was a PD.

 

Phil

Hej Phil 

Sorry my bad...its 110 HP... Thanks for correction...

 

Just thought... is this definitely a MK1 Octavia as you say 1.9 TDI 105?

 

I thought the MK1 was only available with 1.9 90 or 110 then later they did it with the PD130.

 

the 105 was a PD.

 

Phil

 

sorry its my bad... its 110 hp... Thanks for correction.

No need to apologise was just curious as if it was a MK2 you can get a proper winter grille cover.

 

Not sure about the MK1.

 

Phil