Are you looking to leave the payment behind, haul heavy loads and invest in a vehicle that lasts? Or maybe you’re tired of spending hours trading in your make/model every few years. Whatever spurred your interest, diesel vehicles offer many advantages compared to gas that could incentivize you to make the switch. It has long been the fuel of choice for the transportation and agriculture sectors. However, industry-leading manufacturers like Ford, GMC and Chevrolet offer consumer pick-up trucks that outlast their gas counterparts. Learn why you should consider diesel when buying your next vehicle.
Fewer Breakdowns
Diesel vehicles have durable operating systems that show signs of wear and tear long before they break down, so you don’t have to worry about getting stranded on the side of the road. If the engine takes longer to start, your fuel efficiency drops or the vehicle gradually loses power, take it to the mechanic to fix the issue to prevent complete failure.
For example, the fuel injectors that spray the fuel into the combustion chamber as a fine mist can clog or seal due to rust and excess pressure. The vehicle will steadily lose efficiency until the engine misfires or fails to start. Replace the fuel injectors before they fail to keep your truck on the road.
Diesel engines use compression to ignite air and fuel instead of spark plugs, which can easily malfunction due to electrical issues. Sparking gas to create mechanical energy is a highly volatile process. Diesel engines use sensors to moderate psi levels so the fuel burns entirely and at precisely the right time, thus maximizing power and efficiency. In short, diesel gives you more control over the output.
Longer Vehicle Lifespans
Diesel vehicles last four to six times longer than gas cars and trucks because they are better able to regulate pressure and performance and are built to withstand higher psi levels. No wonder 76% of all U.S. commercial vehicles (Class 3-8) use diesel. Even though diesel trucks tend to cost more than gas vehicles, you can drive them for a decade or more without trading models. They also have higher resale values. Models from the 90s are still working hard today.
A diesel truck will only last a million miles or more with regular preventative maintenance. Every make/model needs oil changes every few thousand miles and thorough service inspections every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. You also need to monitor your mpg rating, fluid levels, the sound of the engine and the exhaust for signs of disrepair. Your vehicle may last, but its parts won’t. Shop for diesel parts to make the most of your investment.
Improved Efficiency
Diesel fuel packs more energy per molecule than gasoline to increase torque and horsepower. Each barrel of diesel contains 10% to 15% more energy, and you can travel up to 20% to 35% farther on a single gallon than you would with gas.
Fewer Emissions
Burning diesel doesn’t produce nearly as much pollution as it used to, thanks to new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency. The industry has converted to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to reduce emissions. Every truck has diesel particulate filters to remove debris from the exhaust.
The EPA also requires diesel pick-up trucks to have exhaust emissions reduction technology to limit the amount of NOx in the atmosphere. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems recycle the exhaust through a filter and force it back through the engine instead of releasing it into the air. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) sprays a urea-based diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the exhaust to turn harmful pollutants into nitrogen, which exists naturally in the atmosphere.
Like the engine, these systems need regular care and maintenance to prevent overheating and clogging. The heat from excessive hauling can overwhelm the EGR cooler, which uses coolant to reduce the temperature of the exhaust, causing it to crack and break. Replace the EGR cooler if fuel efficiency drops or the exhaust emits blue smoke.
Better Long-Term Storage
Diesel fuel is more chemically stable than gasoline, which helps it retain its properties for years. You can safely store diesel in barrels for long periods without damaging your equipment. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to water separation and increase oxidation. Keep the fuel in a climate-controlled setting and clean your containers before filling them.
Higher Towing Capacities
Upgrading to a diesel engine helps you move more with your vehicle. Today’s makes/models can tow tens of thousands of pounds without so much as a whimper. The Ford F-450 has a payload capacity of 40,000 lbs. Diesel trucks also offer robust towing packages that include everything you need to attach a trailer. Trying to tow a boat, ATV or tractor with a gas pick-up can damage the engine. It’s better to stay well within the capacity and choose diesel.
More Off-Road Options
Diesel lineups also perform better off-road than their gas counterparts. You can explore the mountains, use your truck around the farm and get your recreational equipment out of the mud. Improved cold weather performance helps you start your ride in any weather, but you can also use fuel additives and a battery warmer in freezing weather to reduce start times.
Nothing compares to the power and reliability of diesel. These vehicles have the grit and mechanics to haul heavy loads, push through rugged terrain and cut down on repairs. That’s why they’re used to transport goods, grow food and construct buildings. Consider switching to diesel the next time your gas vehicle bites the dust.