Advantages Of Driving A Diesel-Fueled Vehicle
by Victor Bryant
Once associated primarily with noisy big rigs that were smelly and spewed clouds of dirty, black smoke into the air, diesel-powered vehicles are becoming more popular. The credit goes to cleaner exhaust systems, lighter-weight engines, and new electronic and engine technologies. These and other benefits of diesel engines may make a diesel-powered vehicle more appealing to you as a consumer.
High Engine Efficiency
Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines have no spark plugs or wires. Instead of spark ignition for igniting the fuel, a diesel engine operates on compression ignition. High compression (squeezing) heats up air infused into the engine. The high temperature then automatically ignites the diesel fuel injected into the engine.
Because a gasoline engine compresses a mixture of air and fuel that enter the engine together, less fuel is compressed, reducing fuel efficiency. With a diesel engine, which only compresses air, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber of the engine. This increases the compression ratio, which improves fuel efficiency and economy.
More Mileage for Your Dollar
Diesel costs more per gallon than gasoline because of high demand for the fuel and the costs related to removing the sulfur to produce a less polluting product. Although diesel fuel costs more than gasoline when filling the tank, if you drive a vehicle with a diesel engine, you can save money in the long run.
When weighing the price of diesel vs. gasoline, a key advantage of diesel fuel over gasoline is that you get more mileage (driving distance) per gallon. Compared to gasoline engines that convert about 30 percent of their fuel into energy to power a vehicle, diesel engines convert about 45 to 50 percent of the fuel the engine burns into mechanical energy.
While diesel fuel may cost you more at the pump, in the end, it generally doesn't cost you more than gasoline. Whether the engine in your vehicle is powered by gasoline or diesel, getting good mileage is what saves you money in fuel costs.
More Torque Delivery
A diesel engine gives a vehicle more torque – the thing that gets it moving. Horsepower is what keeps your vehicle going once it's on the move, but you need torque to start it on its way.
It doesn't matter if the vehicle you drive has a lot of horsepower. If it has little torque, it's going to accelerate more slowly. A vehicle with a lot of torque will get you going faster sooner when you step on the gas. That's why truckers who haul heavy loads rely on diesel-engine trucks with high torque.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Today's diesel engines require less maintenance than their earlier counterparts. The high compression that diesel engines use to ignite the fuel requires tougher mechanical components. These better-made parts often require less maintenance and can add years to the life of the engine.
Gasoline burns hotter than diesel fuel; therefore, a gasoline engine generally requires more maintenance than a diesel-powered engine and won't last as long. A diesel engine can run for more miles before it needs servicing, which can mean fewer trips to your mechanic.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Mark and this blog focuses on the use of energy. What we do today will have a huge impact on the energy sources of the future. Individuals can make changes to ensure that available energy sources are affordable and reliable. Families can conserve energy by using energy efficient appliances, planting trees to shade their homes and unplugging electronics when they're not being used. Individuals can also spread the word to others about the importance of conserving energy and that's why I'm writing this blog. My intention is to get the word out to as many people as possible so that together we can reduce the amount of energy that's being used today. I hope that you find my blog enlightening and that by reading my posts, you'll help to do your part too.