Diesel or gasoline? For a while, diesel cars and small SUVs were easy to find on dealer lots. Today most new diesels are pickups, vans and a few full-size SUVs, but there are still plenty of diesel cars on the road and on the used market. If you own one, or you’re thinking about buying one, it helps to know how a diesel really differs from a gas engine.
In this post we’ll go over the main differences. Rest assured, KC Martin repairs diesel and gasoline vehicles all the same, and we have the training and tools to do each one properly.
A few key facts on diesel vehicles
- Price of diesel vehicles. Diesel engines cost more to build than gasoline engines. They need to be more durable, they include more advanced technology, and they do more work to clean up their emissions. So the diesel version of the same truck or SUV usually costs more.
- Fuel efficiency and costs. Diesel usually costs more per gallon than regular gasoline. On the other hand, diesel engines are known for their efficiency, and you can expect roughly 20 to 30 percent more miles per gallon. Drivers who put on a lot of miles often come out ahead on fuel. Remember, though, that not every gas station sells diesel.
- Power, speed, noise and smoothness. This is why diesel has always been popular for towing and hauling. A diesel makes far more torque, so it pulls hard from low speeds, though it gives up some top-end speed. Older diesels were noisy and rough. Modern ones are much quieter and smoother, though most still don’t feel quite like a gas engine.
- Maintenance and repair costs. Plan on maintenance being about the same. A diesel has no spark plugs to replace, but it has fuel filters that need changing and usually holds more oil. Repairs generally cost more, so you can’t afford to put off the care of a diesel. Staying on schedule is the best way to avoid the big bills.
- Emissions equipment. Modern diesels run far cleaner than older ones, thanks to a particulate filter that traps soot and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that cuts nitrogen oxides. In return, you have to keep the DEF tank topped off, and the truck does best with regular highway driving so the filter can burn itself clean. Lots of short trips are hard on a modern diesel.
Which one is right for you?
You really can’t say that a diesel is better than a gas-powered vehicle, or the other way around. These are the differences that can help you find the one that fits how you drive. If you tow, haul, or spend a lot of time on the highway, a diesel could save you real money. If most of your driving is short trips around town, gasoline (or a hybrid) is usually the easier fit.
If you have questions about your diesel (or any car or truck, for that matter) and you’re anywhere near Lynnwood, Edmonds or Mill Creek, bring it to KC Martin Automotive. We’ve been fixing cars and trucks since 1948, and you can see everything we work on here.
