Van diesel consumption and what affects it most

What determines a van's diesel consumption

A van's diesel consumption doesn't come from a single figure in the brochure, but from the conditions of the specific journey. The same van can use significantly more on the motorway with a full load than around town when empty. If you know which factors play the main role, you can estimate consumption in advance and it won't surprise you when you refuel before returning the van.

Frontal area and shape

The main difference from a car is the air the vehicle has to push out of the way. A van has a tall, vertical front and a boxy body, so air resistance rises dramatically with speed. That's exactly why consumption differs much more between driving on a country road and at motorway speed than it does with a saloon. High-roof versions are logically worse off than low ones.

Load weight

The load makes itself felt mainly where there's a lot of accelerating and braking. In town, the difference between an empty and a fully loaded van is greatest, because each time the engine has to get a tonne more moving again. On a flat motorway the effect of weight is smaller, but it comes back on hills. Depending on the model, the payload of our vans ranges from roughly 1 100 to 1 450 kilograms.

Tyre pressure

Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and consumption. With a van this applies doubly, because the tyres carry a heavier load. The vehicle usually has different pressures specified for empty and loaded, and you'll find the table on the driver's door pillar. Checking takes a few minutes and makes a difference for the whole journey.

Cold engine and short trips

A diesel engine warms up more slowly than a petrol one, and while it's cold, consumption is noticeably higher. A series of short hops around town is therefore the most demanding kind of driving you could come up with. If you can handle several stops on one route, you'll save both fuel and time.

Route profile

A hilly route raises consumption more than you get back on the descent. That's because some of the energy spent on the climb is used up by the brakes and air resistance on the way down. A detour on the flat, even a few kilometres longer, is often more economical than the direct route over a hill. Heavy city traffic with lots of traffic lights has a similar effect.

What else draws power

Air conditioning, heating and open windows all leave their mark on consumption. At lower speeds in town, an open window is more economical than air conditioning; on faster roads the opposite applies, because air resistance increases. But frontal area and weight remain the key factors — the rest is secondary. You'll find an overview of the vehicles in our fleet.

How to keep an eye on consumption during your rental

Full tank there and back

You pick up the vehicle with a full tank and return it full to the same location. That way you know exactly how much you've used — however much you put in before the return is what you consumed. Fill up with diesel only at the end, not halfway through, so you avoid an unnecessary detour to the pump at rush hour.

Work it out

You can calculate your actual consumption from the litres you filled and the kilometres you drove. Divide the litres by the kilometres and multiply by a hundred — you get consumption per hundred kilometres. The trip computer only shows an estimate, and with a loaded van it differs from reality more than with a car. With us, mileage within the Czech Republic is unlimited, so you only keep track of kilometres for fuel, not because of a limit.

Fill up with diesel — really

All our vehicles run on diesel. Putting in the wrong fuel is the most expensive mistake you can make at a filling station, and it means a trip to the garage. The diesel nozzle is usually black, but relying on the colour isn't enough — read the label and, if in doubt, check the fuel cap too. If you do put in the wrong fuel, don't start the engine and call the rental company — we operate non-stop.

The particulate filter needs a longer drive

A diesel engine with a particulate filter needs to be cleared out from time to time with a longer drive at working revs. With nothing but stop-start driving around town, the filter clogs up and consumption rises. If you're driving across the city, include a longer continuous stretch in your route — it's good for the vehicle and shows in the consumption too.

Watch for fluid warnings too

Many modern diesel vehicles use a fluid called AdBlue to clean the exhaust gases. The vehicle monitors its level itself and warns you well in advance how many kilometres are left. If such a warning appears, there's no reason to panic, but no reason to put it off either — contact the rental company and agree on what to do. It has no effect on the fuel consumption itself.

Winter and roof racks

Consumption naturally rises in winter. The engine takes longer to warm up, denser cold air creates more resistance and tyre pressure drops. An empty roof rack, which only stirs up the air, has a similar effect — if you don't need it, there's no reason to drive with it. Details on refuelling and returning the vehicle are summed up in the FAQ.