I’m traveling through Argentina and Chile (as well as Paraguay and Uruguay) with a 2019 Toyota Hilux Euro 6. Could anyone tell me if the local diesel is suitable for its engine, or if I need to take any special precautions (like adding an additive, for example) for these countries?
I’d also like to know if driving at high altitudes is possible, and up to what elevation—or if I should worry about the vehicle going into limp mode?
If that happens, what should I do?
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and diesel quality in Latin America?
hi, the main issue will be the cold and freezing temperatures at night.
So, if needed, add an additive.
Unlike gasoline (like octane or super, which has a combustion point of -60°C), diesel’s combustion point is -10°C.
At gas stations, someone will likely advise you anyway.
Here’s a suggested read: here
As for altitude, it has almost no influence.
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and diesel quality in Latin America?
Hi there,
First, let’s clarify the time of year—hot or cold?
The issue with recent 4x4s (2019 models) is that they’re sensitive to fuel quality and... altitude
I crossed the Pamir high plateaus, over 4,000m, without any issues in my 2005 HDJ100—though I’m not sure newer models wouldn’t have problems above 3,000m.
Qui boit l'eau d'une terre étrangère doit en suivre les coutumes (proverbe Mongol)
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and diesel quality in Latin America?
Hi there, actually, there’s no need to worry because modern vehicles are equipped with electronic regulators, so normally no issues at all.
If the outside temperature is low, any decent vehicle should have heating diodes in the tank or in the fuel distribution circuit.
As for fuel distribution in the internal circuit, the same goes for the diesel injection pump—it’s electronically regulated.
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and the quality of diesel in Latin America?
Thanks for your reply!
Following up on your question in that post:
Just to clarify, I’ll be driving between April and September, so mostly during the southern hemisphere winter.
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and the quality of diesel in Latin America?
Following up on your question in this thread:
I’ll clarify that I’ll be driving between April and September, so mostly during the southern hemisphere winter.
Do you have a maintenance manual, or what’s called an "automotive technical manual"? I’d like to have this before doing anything.
Re: What are the possibilities for driving at high altitudes and diesel quality in Latin America?
Hi there,
In France, cars are equipped with fuel filters because we’re not as confident about fuel quality. It all depends on the quality of your diesel filter, whose job is to let only pure diesel through without any impurities. Go for high-end filters that can catch even the tiniest particles. And this isn’t just true for Argentina.
