You know the negative stereotypes. Diesel trucks are dirty, loud, and terrible for the environment. That’s what everyone says, right?
Driving diesel is more common than you think! 43% of trucks in the USA are fueled by diesel. There’s a good reason.
Whether it’s world-class torque or low maintenance needs, the benefits of diesel aren’t hyped much. There’s a lot to talk about!
1. Why Drive Diesel? Fuel Efficiency
Do you live in an urban or rural area? That answer helps dictates what might be best for you. Diesel engines tend to get the most miles-per-gallon on the highway.
Once a diesel truck gets going, there’s no stopping it. At full throttle, diesel engines are 20% more fuel-efficient. Why?
Diesel engines use compression ignition to get going. By contrast, gas engines rely on spark plugs. With the benefit of higher compression, diesel engines transfer more energy.
What does all that energy equal? Less work on behalf of the engine, which means better fuel efficiency.
These savings translate to your wallet. Experts estimate you’ll save $7,000 each year of driving a diesel engine, as compared to a similar gas engine.
2. That Torque Can’t Be Beat
Need to move cross-country? That diesel engine will come in handy when you’re hauling a trailer over the Rocky Mountains.
Diesel trucks hold a lot of power, and you’ll need every ounce of it for the most challenging towing jobs.
If you’re moving a lot, or need to haul hay bales or a camper, the best diesel engines have the torque you need.
Most diesel engines still provide great miles-per-gallon while towing, too. They beat gas engines every time!
3. Better Overall Performance
Smoke billowing from the tailpipe, a growling engine that wakes up the entire neighborhood … is that what you associate with diesel trucks? Luckily, many of these issues are old-school.
Newer diesel trucks have greatly reduced these issues. From much less noise to an acceptable level of emissions that don’t pollute the entire neighborhood, you can rest easy when you buy a diesel truck.
With high fuel efficiency and great torque, what else do they have to offer? Diesel truck maintenance will rarely be a worry.
Experts estimate that when it comes to hours operated, diesel engines can last between two to three times longer than your typical gas engine. That’s a workhorse!
4. A Great Investment
Looking for diesel trucks for sale? They’re a great investment because of their endurance, torque, fuel economy, and versatility.
That’s why buying a diesel truck used is still a great option. The engine is usually good for over 300,000 miles. Most used trucks for sale won’t have anywhere close to that mileage!
They’re also workhorses. If you’re having trouble finding the used truck you want, guess what? That just might be a good sign.
If someone has a diesel truck, they’re likely hanging onto it. They know exactly what a great investment it is, and that’s not something they want to lose!
From limited diesel truck auto repair to the perfect workhorse for hauling a trailer, diesel trucks are worth the investment.
5. The Benefits of Diesel? Old-School Endurance
Still not convinced? Diesel engines perform at the highest level and crush it every time.
Le Mans is the ultimate in automotive displays. A 24-hour race held in France, made famous by innovator Carroll Shelby and movies such as Ford v. Ferrari, only the best make it through.
A 24-hour race at breakneck speeds asks a lot of the driver. But it asks even more of an engine.
What cars have won Le Mans? Consider the Audi R10 TDI, the Audi R18 TDI, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP. What did each of these monstrous workhorses have in common?
Diesel engines.
While you may not need to ask that kind of endurance from your truck, it’s still worth it to know that you’re making an investment in something that won’t depreciate in quality quickly.
6. No Spark Plugs? No Problem
One of the main perks of diesel truck maintenance is that you don’t have to worry about spark plugs. That’s for people with gas engines!
With less worry about spark plugs and your ignition system, your truck will cost less in maintenance in the long run.
However, if you live in a place that’s prone to hurricane disasters—such as New Orleans or the Texas coastline—there’s another perk. What about flooding?
We’ve all seen dramatic images on the news of barely identifiable cars in a sea of water. Depending on how high the water levels are, some diesel trucks can muscle through it.
Since they don’t rely on spark plugs, a diesel truck will run as long as the air intake and the exhaust pipe are clear. Since there’s no ignition system, too, it’s one less thing to fix if your truck is completely submerged and you have to abandon it.
7. Saving the Environment
Your diesel truck doesn’t have to be a source of pollutants. Instead, it can be on the frontlines of discoveries involving renewable fuel choices.
If you live in a location that offers biodiesel blends, you’re in luck! Diesel engines are meant to be flexible.
When originally created, these engines were meant to rely on vegetable oils. Now, most drivers fill up with diesel at your average Chevron station.
If you drive a newer diesel truck, it can likely run on a biodiesel blend with no problem. Of course, renewable fuels are still relatively unutilized in the United States.
As such, it’s worthwhile to check with your manufacturer before filling up with biodiesel! But if it’s a viable option for many diesel drivers, this could translate to millions of gallons of traditional diesel fuel saved each year.
Why Drive Diesel?
If you already own a great truck, you know the benefits of diesel. If you’re looking to invest in one, welcome to the family! Check us out—we’ve got the resources, services, and tips that you’re looking for.
