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Automotive

Make your diesel engine less polluting in a few simple steps

By Bardahl The 3/6/2025 5 min reading

Make your diesel engine less polluting in a few simple steps
Do you drive a diesel-powered vehicle? Do you want to reduce the emissions from this engine, whether it's old or new? Here are some simple steps you can take.

To ensure that a diesel or gasoline engine pollutes as little as possible, the basic rule remains the same: regular maintenance and preventive cleaning of its components! But there are also other solutions to reduce emissions and, therefore, fuel consumption.

Cleaning organs likely to become clogged

With increasingly strict European standards for pollutant emissions, manufacturers have developed various technical components for pollution control. These include the catalytic converter, the EGR valve, and the particulate filter (DPF). These three components are susceptible to clogging. To prevent this, simply use cleaning additives that target each component or "Bardahl 5-in-1 Degreasing." They are very simple to use. Simply pour them into the fuel tank when filling up at the pump.

The DPF, in particular, is prone to failure. This is why, a few years ago, some users asked to remove it from their vehicles. This is a bad idea for two reasons. First, fine particle emissions from your engine will increase. And second, you risk failing your MOT.

An engine that isn't maintained consumes and pollutes up to 25% more! In short, it's important to consider regular maintenance and preventative cleaning to keep the pollution control components functioning optimally.

Cleaning the engine before oil change

As an engine runs, deposits build up over time. These include soot, carbon deposits, and even, more rarely, microparticles of scrap metal that form as mechanical parts move against each other. All of these deposits circulate in the top of the engine, but also in the bottom of the engine. This is why it is recommended to use a Pre-Oil Change Cleaner before changing the oil. This cleaner dissolves the sludge and deposits present in the oil and facilitates their removal during the oil change. In addition, it cleans the lubricated parts of the engine. This way, the new oil will not be contaminated by old deposits, which means your engine will be in perfect condition to emit the lowest possible emissions.

Use biodiesel

In recent years, biofuels have become increasingly popular at gas stations. To reduce pollution, you can opt for B10 diesel at the pump. "B10" means that the diesel contains 10% biodiesel, compared to 7% for B7 diesel. B10 diesel is therefore more environmentally friendly.

Eco-driving

Here's our final tip for making your engine less polluting: practicing eco-driving. By taking a few simple steps, you can save up to 10% on fuel on a full tank, and even more if you drive very dynamically! To practice eco-friendly driving, as you'll discover here, the key words are: constant speed and anticipation.

If this type of driving absolutely doesn't appeal to you, you can opt for Bardahl's "Consume Less" additive. You'll see your average fuel consumption drop significantly. Plus, it's very easy to use: just add the recommended amount when you visit the pump! This additive also cleans your vehicle's injection system to reduce emissions.