People who know a lot about trucks and do a lot of towing know that a diesel engine under the hood is best for power, torque, and hauling.
It’s not that trucks with gas engines aren’t up to the challenge — it’s that diesel trucks produce high torque at minimal revolutions per minute, making them ideal for towing trailers and hauling payload.
However, you might have missed that if you believe the misinformation about diesel trucks.
You Owe It to Yourself to Dig Deeper for the Truth
Most internal combustion engine vehicles run on gas rather than diesel, leaving many drivers with a knowledge gap about the latter.
Keep reading for 15 things about diesel trucks that many people get completely wrong.
Diesel Trucks Are as Slow as Sloths
One misconception is that diesel engines are slow as sloths — which is ridiculous. Modern diesel engines can accelerate as well as the best gas engines due to high-tech turbocharging features.
So, give your head a shake if you believe diesel engines are slowpokes compared to gas engines.
Diesel Trucks Are Good for Only One Thing…Towing
This, too, is an error. While it’s true diesel trucks are hard to beat for towing, hauling, off-roading, and doing other stuff that truck owners enjoy, they also make good daily drivers.
Buy the right brand, model, and trim to get the most out of your truck, whenever you want to use it and for whatever you plan to use it.
Diesel Always Costs More at the Fuel Pump
According to Reeder Distributors, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said that, up until 2004, gas was always costlier per gallon than diesel. It adds that, after that year, diesel prices in the U.S. have consistently been higher than for unleaded fuel.
But what the naysayers won’t tell you is that diesel offers better fuel economy than gas, so the higher cost for diesel will be offset by the improved fuel efficiency over time.
Diesel Trucks Are Big-Time Polluters
Another common misconception is that diesel trucks are good for little more than polluting the environment. Older diesel engines weren’t the best for the environment, but times have changed, and diesel engines have changed with the times.
While diesel engines emit more nitrogen compounds and particulate matter than diesel truck fans may care to admit, consider that diesel emits less carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons than gas.
Diesel Trucks Are Noisy
Another knock against diesel trucks is that they are extremely noisy. While diesel engines are typically louder than gas engines, they’re not as bad as some would have you think. It’s not like there are percussion orchestras under the hoods of diesel trucks — not by a long shot.
Diesel engines are noisier because of compression. Diesel Performance Specialist explains that “the air cylinders of diesel trucks are already compressed, and the fuel is injected into it, which makes them much noisier.” That’s a more technical explanation for why diesel motors are louder than gas engines.
Diesel Trucks Suck During the Winter
Older diesel trucks may struggle to start up when the temperatures are too cold. There’s no denying that. But modern diesel engines perform better during the cold weather season. They do this with the help of better glow plugs and technological advancements.
Diesel Trucks Aren’t Useful for Short Trips
Older trucks with less-than-modern diesel engines may be slightly inefficient for short trips. And, to be honest, the fuel efficiency that diesel engines offer is more applicable for longer trips. But don’t believe the myth that using diesel trucks for shorter trips is impractical.
Diesel Engines Don’t Require Much Maintenance
Diesel engines tend to be more robust and longer-lasting than gas engines. But don’t think that diesel engines are maintenance-free. If you have a truck with a diesel engine under the hood, you’ll still need to perform oil changes, replace fuel filters, and do other things.
Always check the owner’s manual to know what should be done and when.
Diesel Fuel Is Hard to Find
There are more gas fuel pumps than diesel fuel pumps. But you can find diesel fuel at every gas station. And with the many apps available to show fuel stations in the area, finding diesel fuel is easier than ever.
Diesel Trucks Aren’t Comfortable
Some people mistakenly believe that diesel trucks are so performance-focused that interior comfort is an afterthought. But all you have to do is test drive a diesel truck to see how false this line of thinking is. You can find diesel trucks that are just as comfortable and luxurious as any gas truck.
Diesel Trucks and City Driving Don’t Mix
While it’s worth repeating diesel trucks offer the best fuel efficiency over extended distances at highway speeds, that doesn’t mean they make poor vehicles for city driving. Remember that diesel engines have improved compared to yesteryear, so they can be competent city drivers.
Diesel Engines Can Operate on Gas
One of the little-known benefits of diesel engines is that they can run on more than just diesel. You can use vegetable oil, refined vegetable oil, and other fuel sources. But, no, you most certainly can’t put gas in a diesel engine unless the goal is to destroy the diesel engine.
Diesel Trucks Only Come With Manual Transmissions
Many older diesel trucks came with manual transmissions, and you can still get them in that configuration today. But you won’t have trouble finding a diesel truck these days with an automatic transmission.
Diesel Trucks Are Overkill for Most Drivers
Getting a humongous truck might be overkill for most drivers, whether it runs on diesel or gas. But remember that trucks come in different sizes. It’s up to consumers to find what works best for them.
Diesel Smells Bad
While older diesel engines used to stink, you can’t really make that argument today. Yes, they may emit more of a scent than gas engines, but most people exaggerate the smell of diesel engines.
Consider These Things About Diesel Trucks Most People Get Wrong
These are 15 things about diesel trucks that many people think are true — hook, line, and sinker. However, this information should demonstrate that diesel trucks have plenty to offer. Don’t allow misinformation to dissuade you.
More From Driver’s Drift
17 Cars That Are Incredibly Fun to Drive
13 SUVs with the Most Luxurious Interiors
13 Cars Owners Wish They’d Never Purchased
16 Reasons Why Some Americans Will Never Embrace Electric Vehicles
