Most American consumers buy cars and trucks that have gasoline engines in them. That’s because the car companies primarily make these models. The diesel engine, however, has been around for a long time, and it has a lot of benefits that a gasoline engine doesn’t. There have been a lot of changes and improvements to the diesel engine over the years. They’re quieter, more fuel efficient, and produce less emissions than gas engines do. Knowing all that, maybe it’s time to buy a diesel truck and save the planet. Here’s what you need to know about buying a diesel truck.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
As mentioned above, the diesel engine is efficient. They will get you around 40% better fuel economy than a gas engine. If you drive a lot of miles daily, that means a huge amount of savings. You’ll stop less at the gas station to fuel up, and less money will fly out of your pocket. Highway miles are the best miles for a diesel engine, and their improved fuel economy shines on the open roads.
Strong Towing Capabilities
Diesel engines most often get associated with trucks, and this is for good reason. The majority of diesel engines are found in trucks of all kinds. Tractor trailers all come with a diesel engine because of the towing capacity. Diesel engines deliver a lot of torque at low speeds. That means they can pull crazy amounts of weight when needed.
Diesel Fuel Costs More
A major drawback of all the fuel efficiency is that it costs more than gas. If you already buy premium gas, then the sticker shock won’t be as bad. The price of diesel is just a little higher than premium. This factor might determine if buying a diesel truck is worth the money, depending on what kind of driving you do. The second drawback is that diesel fuel isn’t everywhere. Not every gas station you encounter will have it for sale. You’ll have to find out which ones do and don’t supply it in your area.
Not so Loud Anymore
The idea that diesel engines emit horribly loud noises go hand in hand with the idea that they’re only for trucks—it’s a huge misconception. Diesel engine engineers are aware of the noise, and they worked for years to quiet them. They made newer generations as quiet as gas engines. You’ll only notice the difference when you step on the accelerator.
Emission Standards Exceeded
A lot of eyes are on diesel engines because of the trucking industry, and they face many regulations as a result of it. The high emission standards the U.S. sets for gas engines also apply to diesel engines. It took some time, but diesel engines meet and exceed those standards now. Improved engines, exhaust systems, and low sulfur diesel fuel help meet the clean air standards.
