Are you in the market for a new car but not sure whether diesel, petrol, or electrical is your best choice?
There are, of course, a range of different factors that should be considered when making this decision. These include what you need the car for, how much your budget is, and what your personal preferences are.
While diesel has traditionally been popular with commercial vehicles and trucks in the past in the United States, more and more people today are realizing the benefits of the diesel car. Diesel cars are already widely popular in Europe, especially in counties such as Germany, and more Americans are starting to follow suit.
In this blog post, we will highlight some of the benefits of buying a diesel car. Read on if you are considering purchasing a diesel car but are curious about the exact benefits it will have for your driving. For the most reliable diesel repairs and services, your No. 1 choice is always the team at Diesel Performance Specialist.
Impressive Fuel Economy
In these times, we’re all trying to go as far and as long as we can without having to stop at a gas station or a charging point. Range anxiety is the new buzzword for electric car owners. Diesel cars have increased fuel economy, meaning extra mileage out of a tank and fewer trips to a gas station.
Due to their higher compression rating, diesel engines are recognized as being more fuel-efficient. They generate more power from less fuel.
It can also be said that diesel has more room for future improvement, with respect to fuel economy and efficiency than petrol engines. All of this is because diesel fuel has more fuel molecules than gasoline.
Less Maintenance
Diesel cars are well-built, to say the least. Compared to petrol engines, diesel engines work very differently, which results in both an increased lifespan and reduced maintenance over the years.
The absence of a spark-style ignition system helps to reduce the potential for electrical failures and supports an engine that is highly reliable. Generally, compared to a petrol car, the time between scheduled maintenance services is longer.
On this point, it’s also worth highlighting that diesel cars hold their value far better than petrol cars. If, in a few years, you decide to sell your car, you could expect to fetch a better price for a diesel than a petrol car compared to the price you initially paid.
More Torque
While horsepower may grab all the headlines, torque is an important consideration when purchasing a car. Torque is related to the ability of a car to accelerate and pull loads. It makes sense, then, that diesel engines have long been favored for trucks and larger vehicles.
The importance of torque will vary from person to person, but a powerful car is beneficial if you are regularly carrying heavy loads or several people during your car journeys.
Emit Less CO2 Emissions Than Petrol
As diesel engines are far more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, they emit less CO2, making them a better choice for the environment. As we all know, exposure to CO2 is dangerous and can result in a range of negative health effects.
CO2 is also contributing to the heating up of our planet and is a major hurdle as we attempt to combat the effects of climate change. Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels that are now mandatory also help cars to run quietly while producing less black smoke from the exhaust.
History of the Diesel Engine
Now that we have a better understanding of the many benefits of choosing a diesel car, let’s take a look at its history. In the late 19th century, Rudolf Diesel invented a compression ignition engine that still bears his name today. At that time, the steam engine had been the predominant power source for major industries.
A prototype of Diesel’s engine was built in 1893, with a second prototype built the following year and a final prototype in 1896. A US patent was issued in 1898. Early in the 20th century, the first diesel-powered ships were launched, and by 1908 the first truck with a diesel engine appeared.
The manufacture of the first mass-produced passenger car that featured a diesel engine—a Mercedes-Benz 260 D—would begin in 1935. The first compact passenger sedan/saloon that was offered with a diesel engine option was the Volkswagen Golf in 1976.
Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, much innovation has been performed on diesel engines, making them more efficient, powerful, clean, and appealing to the general public.
For example, the pilot series of the Mercedes-Benz 260 D had a top speed of 59 mph. Today, diesel cars such as the Porsche Panamera have a top speed of around 177 mph.
Discover the Benefits of a Diesel Car for Yourself
Purchasing a new car is a big decision, given the expense and the fact that you will likely own it for several years. If you are looking for a powerful, efficient, and reliable car, you can’t look past a diesel car. Thanks to their history of innovation, diesel cars are superior options and are beginning to become more popular in the United States.
Here at Diesel Performance Specialist, we perform a wide range of services for diesel cars. These include engine maintenance, brakes, electrical services, heating and cooling services, tires, transmission services, 4×4 services, and diesel truck care. Contact our professional and experienced team today to schedule a service.
