Out of curiosity, rather than anticipation, how long will a 1.6 tdi run on say 10 ltr of diesel if you get stuck (obviously not in a snow drift due to fumes) and you need heat? I suppose the calculation is complicated as the engine could be turned off for periods of time. Also could this damage the engine? 

Considering it's running around 1lt / h, that would be at least 10hrs.

 

I'm guessing damaging the engine is not a possibility. 

Edited 18 December, 20214 yr by BogdanB

you know things are getting bad when there are snow drifts in Suffolk.

 

As a life or death thing, yes you'd leave your car running. But if you didn't have to have the engine idling for a long period of time, I wouldn't. It can wear out parts quicker as the engine is designed to be going through the revs and having load applied to it. Things like the EGR will get clogged and the DPF won't be getting up to temperature and will be struggling to stay clear. More regens and more associated problems

 

Best thing to do if you're in any doubts of getting stuck, is not to travel. If you get stuck, chances are the people who would be the ones to try and come and help won't be getting there any time soon. Last time it was really bad where I live was 2010 / 2011 and the amount of people who had accidents and didn't even have a spare thicker jacket was alarming.

The idling consumption on both my MK2 1.9pd and current mk3 1.4tsi is an indicated 0.5 l/hr.

I would not imagine the 1.6d would be any worse.

When the aircon is active then consumption rises to 0.8l/hr or higher in extreme heat.

Keep a 10 liter can of fuel in the boot and do not run about when there are weather warnings with low fuel levels in your tank.   If you are having to sit for hours at closed / blocked roads, at snow gates in the likes of Scotland where you are miles from filling stations you will not be alone.   Think of those in EV,s that might well have heat in the car for a few hours but not enough range to take the diversions or get to EV charger or ones that are working.    Nobody near by either with a handy can of electric. 

2 hours ago, roottoot said:

Keep a 10 liter can of fuel in the boot and do not run about when there are weather warnings with low fuel levels in your tank.   If you are having to sit for hours at closed / blocked roads, at snow gates in the likes of Scotland where you are miles from filling stations you will not be alone.   Think of those in EV,s that might well have heat in the car for a few hours but not enough range to take the diversions or get to EV charger or ones that are working.    Nobody near by either with a handy can of electric. 

You could always carry a heavy duty generator😀

Carrying those is the job of the AA / RAC that have to get passed the vehicles all sitting stationary. 

What a shame that they might just be add about 10 miles range.