When you’re filling up at a gas station on a long weekend, the lineups for the diesel pumps will be shorter than the ones for the gas pumps. As a caravan of cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers with gas engines wait their turn to fuel up, owners of diesel vehicles will breathe easier. The shorter lineups mean owners of diesel vehicles will be on their way quickly.
That’s Not the Only Benefit Either
Diesel engines offer decided benefits over gas engines — ones you might not know. It’s welcome news to diesel vehicle owners that they won’t have to waste time waiting in line at the fuel station. But that benefit won’t be enough to move the needle for some.
Get Past the Diesel Engine Myths
When deciding whether to swap a vehicle with a gas engine for a car with a diesel engine, you must get past the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation. For instance, it’s inaccurate to say it’s harder to start diesel engines than gas engines. That might have been true in the past, but it’s not true when considering modern diesel engines. It’s also wrong to say diesel vehicles lack performance, are noisy, or are worse for the environment.
Consider these 14 reasons you might want to swap your gas car for a diesel model.
Fuel Efficiency
According to Progressive, diesel engines usually get greater fuel efficiency than gas engines. The reason? Diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gas, translating into more energy per gallon. That’s why you can easily find diesel vehicles capable of 50 miles per gallon or more. If you want more for your money at the fuel pumps, diesel beats gas head-to-head.
Longevity
Progressive adds that many diesel vehicles can reach 200,000 miles before requiring significant repairs. Meanwhile, gas cars frequently can only reach 100,000 miles before requiring costly work. So, you can get a reliable engine that’ll last longer than can the average gas engine.
Power and Torque
A vehicle with a diesel engine under the hood also packs more power and torque than its gas engine counterpart. Those are strong properties if you want an engine designed to last. The power and torque advantages enable the manufacture of engines that can achieve substantial power at lower RPMs. Another benefit is that diesel engines usually have better torque-to-weight ratios than their gas equivalents — facilitating speedier acceleration.
Resale Value
You’ll get more money if you sell a car with a diesel engine than one with a gas engine — meaning you’ll pay more if you want to upgrade to diesel power from gas power. Vehicles with diesel engines depreciate less than their gas-engine counterparts.
Eco-Friendly
While one common myth is that gas engines are better for the environment than diesel engines, the opposite is true. Diesel vehicles burn less carbon dioxide than gas vehicles to cover the same distance while traveling on the highway. So, if you’re a steward of the environment and want to practice what you preach, consider switching to a car with a diesel motor under the hood.
Fuel Stability
Do you store fuel in jerry cans in your garage? It’s a good habit since it can simplify fueling your car or small engine equipment at home. It’s worth noting that diesel has a longer shelf life than gas. So, you can store it for longer without worrying about it going bad.
Maintenance
Buying a diesel vehicle also means less maintenance that can drain your wallet. If you know little about diesels, it might surprise you to learn that diesel engines don’t have spark plugs. That means vehicles with diesel engines can usually go longer before maintenance is needed.
Safety
Diesel fuel is more stable than gasoline. Since it’s not as volatile and the vapor doesn’t have the explosion risk of gas, diesel lowers the risk of the fuel igniting and triggering a fire.
Towing
Remember that diesel engines have more power and torque. The extra torque affords greater towing performance. So, if you want a pickup truck to tow a camper, boat, or utility trailer, a diesel engine will perform better than a gas engine.
Stop-and-Go Traffic
Cars with diesel engines aren’t just superior to vehicles with gas engines for highway driving over longer distances. They also outperform gas vehicles in stop-and-go traffic around and about town.
High Altitudes
Diesel engines also perform better in high-altitude environments. The reason for this difference is that vehicles with diesel motors aren’t as impacted by high altitudes as are gas motors.
Biofuel Adaptability
It’s worth noting that diesel engines can run on more than just diesel. You can use various biofuels in addition to diesel, which gives you options. Car and Driver says, “Using biodiesel fuel in diesel engines helps further reduce emissions and reduces the country’s dependence on foreign oil.”
Water Resistance
If operating your vehicle in wet conditions, you’re better off with a diesel engine than a gas motor. The reason is that diesel engines can operate well in wet conditions since water won’t hinder the ignition process the way it can with gas engines.
Oil Consumption
No one likes an engine that consumes oil. But that’s a problem you’re less likely to experience with a diesel engine than a gasoline engine. And if you do experience it with a diesel motor, the odds are it will be less severe than going with a gas motor.
It Pays to Make the Switch to a Diesel Engine
Considering the benefits of diesel engines, it makes sense to consider going that route. If you can’t justify upgrading to a diesel now, keep it in mind the next time you need a new or used car.
More From Driver’s Drift
14 Cars That Consistently Fail Crash Tests
15 Reasons You Should Never Buy a Car in Cash (Even if You Can Afford to)
15 Things Boomers Taught Us About Cars Which Are Totally Wrong Today
17 Hybrids to Avoid at All Costs
