What you need to know about Clean Diesel

Say the words “clean diesel” at a party and you’ll likely get a wide array of responses. Some friends will wonder if you’re commenting on jeans, music, or even big trucks, while others – and a growing number – will know exactly what you’re talking about: Clean Diesel. It has emerged as a viable choice for drivers who want something fun to drive, cleaner burning and long-lasting. Fact is, Clean Diesel isn’t your Grandfather’s diesel. It’s better, cleaner and represents a new generation of diesel technology, far away from yesterday’s stereotype. Here’s a basic explanation of the differences, benefits and characteristics of Clean Diesel:

Q: What is Clean Diesel?
A: Clean Diesel really has two parts: fuel and engine technology. On the fuel side, Clean Diesel is an ultra-low sulfur fuel that makes it possible for diesel engines to burn cleaner, provided that the engine offers the necessary emissions control and fuel injection systems. For example, VW TDI® engines use a system that sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, which encourages complete combustion and more efficient fuel use*. On the tailpipe side of things, smaller clean diesel engines use a filter to trap and burn off nitrous oxides (NOx). The Touareg TDI is different, however, as it also uses a urea-injection system to reduce NOx. Click here for more about clean diesel.

Q: Is Clean Diesel just a marketing trick, or does it really make a difference?
A: It makes enough of a difference to be approved for use in all fifty states. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the level of diesel particulates in the air fell by more than 37 percent in the nineties, and the government has gone so far as to label Clean Diesel as a “lean burn” technology. You can now purchase a sporty Jetta TDI , for example, and may be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit. Learn more about tax credits.**

Q: Do Clean Diesel vehicles have the same problems that gave diesel a bad name, such as smoky exhaust, engine knock or trouble starting in the cold?
A: No. Today’s modern diesel engines no longer smoke and have no trouble starting in cold weather. In fact, thanks to the amount of torque available and diesel vehicles’ reputation for long-term dependability, more and more people prefer Clean Diesels such at the Jetta TDI (named 2009 Green Car of the Year) to gasoline-powered vehicles. Check it out for yourself: We dare to freeze a Golf TDI, and even go through the Discovery Channel’s “scarf test”.

Q: Do clean diesel engines start when it’s cold outside?
A: Absolutely. Diesel fuel has additives that help make sure your vehicle starts no matter how cold it is. Of course, if you live in Nome, Alaska – you may need to use additional additives. But if you live in Nome you probably knew that already, right? But don’t take our word for it: see it here.

Q: What is a Clean Diesel engine?
A: Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel engines are notably different in two ways: the fuel injection system, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, and the emissions control system, which adds a self-cleaning filter to trap and burn off nitrous oxides (NOx). Thanks to the size of its engine, the Touareg TDI also uses a urea-injection system to reduce NOx. Learn more about the Touareg TDI.