The trucking industry has about $732.3 billion in revenue in 2020 alone. With many Americans trading up to more extensive and fancier trucks, there’s no sign the market will slow down anytime soon.
Owning a truck is one of the most significant use-it-or-lose-it purchases. However, before you drive off to your nearest dealership, you need to consider the type of engine your vehicle will have. There are two basic variants to choose from, diesel and gasoline.
Read below to find out everything you need to know about the difference between diesel vs gas trucks.
Diesel vs Gas Trucks: Which is More Efficient
The main difference between the two engine types is their work. Gasoline engines use spark plugs to ignite a mixture of fuel and air. In contrast, diesel engines use compression to heat the air to ignition.
This makes diesel trucks more efficient but also makes them a bit tougher to start in cold weather. Diesel also lasts longer and can handle more miles before needing major repairs.
Truck Engine Differences
Diesel trucks typically get better fuel economy than gas trucks. They also tend to have more torque, which can help tow and haul. And diesel engines tend to last longer than gas engines.
Gas trucks are less expensive than diesel trucks and usually have more horsepower. They also tend to have better acceleration than diesel trucks. However, they don’t get as good fuel economy and can’t tow or haul as much as diesel trucks.
Maintenance for Diesel vs Gas Trucks
Diesel engines require more maintenance than gasoline engines. When they need to be serviced, the process is more involved and expensive.
Diesel cars require more frequent oil changes than gasoline cars. Typically every 5,000 miles vs. every 7,500 miles for gasoline cars. This is because diesel engines operate at higher temperatures than gasoline engines, causing the oil to break down faster.
They use a more efficient fuel injection system that exposes the fuel filter to dirt and debris fuel. The filters need to be changed more often on diesel cars, every 10,000 miles vs. every 12,000 miles for gasoline cars.
Diesel parts are more expensive. It is vital to get parts from reliable sources. Check BD Diesel parts for a vast selection of replacement parts at very competitive prices.
Environmental Considerations
A diesel engine will produce about 15% less emissions than a gasoline engine. In addition, diesel fuel contains more energy than gasoline, making more power with less fuel.
When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, diesel is the clear winner. They produce 20-30% less carbon dioxide than gasoline engines.
Find the Best Ride for Your Tastes Today
Though diesel vs gas trucks may look similar, they have different engines and fuels that set them apart. Gasoline trucks are less expensive and require less maintenance than diesel trucks. Still, diesel trucks are more efficient and have more torque.
Ultimately, the best choice for a truck depends on the driver’s needs and preferences. Did you find this blog post helpful? If so, check out our articles on various topics to keep you informed.
