September 2, 2010
Get Better Performance And Miles Per Gallon With A Diesel Engine
Regardless of whether you are looking for a vehicle of your own or a heavy duty truck for commercial purposes, getting a car or truck with a diesel engine has some great benefits and of course some draw backs.
Let’s get the drawbacks out of the way.
Engine noise: Yes diesel engines are ‘louder’ than gasoline engines but the modern diesel engines in today’s automobiles and trucks are a lot quieter than the engines from 15 or 20 years ago. In fact today’s modern diesel engine runs almost as quietly as a gasoline engine.
Emissions: It’s not a good idea to have a vehicle that emits a great deal of pollutants into the air and environment. Diesel engines are not ‘low emission’ or ‘green’ and they do put out more particulate matter (the soot) and they have higher levels of the gases that contribute to local smog. The smell is stronger when a diesel engine is running plus it produces more smoke.
Fuel: If you are out on a trip and need to refuel your diesel you will have a much more difficult time finding service stations that sell fuel needed for these type of engines. Make sure your local neighborhood or a station on your commute or near your place of employment sells diesel. Do some research to see how many, if any, gas stations in your neighborhood or town sell the necessary fuel. It’s a pain to run out of gas.
Selection: You will be limited in your selection. At one time there were about 119 different diesel models to choose from in the United States. It’s easier to find Diesel cars in Europe but due to stricter emission limits in many parts of the country the number of available diesel models is now in the dozens. Diesel trucks are very popular but again they also have limited models available.
Let’s see the benefits of purchasing a diesel vehicle.
Fuel economy: Diesel engines are anywhere from 20 – 30% more efficient than gasoline engines. Obviously that will lead to fewer trips to the station to fill up and will leave more money in your pocket. Some are approaching the 50-mile per gallon mark on fuel economy. Obviously you can expect to see significant savings over the long run.
McManus compared price a Jetta with a gasoline engine to a Jetta with a turbo diesel. The turbo diesel car was about $1,000 more, however, the gasoline engine only had an EPA estimate of 31 MPG and the turbo diesel had a 46-MPG rating. The savings on fuel over a time period of three years would even out the cost of the diesel engine purchase.
Longevity: With proper maintenance it is not unusual for diesel engines to last 250,000 miles and more. Some big rig diesel engines have reportedly hit over seven hundred thousand and even up to the one million mile mark!
Performance: Do you like driving fast? Diesel engines have better get up and go than gasoline engines. It will be easier to accelerate plus you will save on gas.
The Capacity To Tow More: Diesel engines are workhorses. If you plan to haul heavy loads, tow a boat, a trailer or a 5th wheel a diesel engine will provide the extra power needed. This is the reason why many heavy duty trucks utilize a diesel engine.
A diesel engine might be right for you if are looking to use your vehicle for heavy towing, are looking for better gas mileage and superior performance
Written by Jacqueline Star: Used Cars Dallas, Fort Worth Ford
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