10 Reasons to Switch to a Diesel Car
You’re probably thinking, "Switch and harm the environment." Granted, diesel engines haven’t had the best of reputations for being eco-friendly, or even a practical everyday commuting solution. It’s been known to be loud and dirty. Mention a diesel engine, and your thoughts automatically go to big and loud trucks and machines.
Diesel engines have come a long way, and they are no longer focused on just trucks and large machines. In fact, automakers such as BMW, Audi, GM, and even Mercedes-Benz are creating more and more diesel model cars for the average consumer market.
If you're planning to buy a new car, here are ten reasons why you might want to switch to a diesel engine:
#1 It’s not loud or dirty.
Granted, older models are known to be loud and dirty. However, thanks to improvements and new technology, diesel engines run quietly, and they don’t spew black smoke. Diesel fuel contains a little more carbon than petrol, but the CO₂ emissions of a diesel engine are lower. Newer diesel engine cars are built to be extremely efficient and to produce less carbon dioxide per liter of fuel.
#2 It contains more power.
Some of the main reasons why trucks and heavy machinery use diesel-powered engines are that they give more torque. More torque results in more power off the line and more power towing. When a diesel engine is designed, it's made with longer strokes. The pressure built in the strokes and cylinders yields more torque in the wheels. Plus, the combustion temperature of diesel fuel itself has been designed for a more powerful torque.
The Honda Civic i-DTEC, for instance, is a diesel engine car that's a sensible choice for buyers looking for larger cars that cover higher mileages. The smooth, muscular power delivery of diesel benefits in long journeys.
#3 European preference
A total of 51.8% of car sales in the European market in 2011 went to diesel-powered engines. In Germany alone, 41.9% of cars that were sold that same year ran on diesel. The current UK & European regulations set in September 2015 require diesel-powered engines to have Euro 6, which means they can emit a certain percentage of harmful emissions. Many European car manufacturers have quickly developed new tech to ensure their vehicles comply with this ruling.
#4 Diesel cars have better value.
This reason will come as good news to many car owners. Research conducted by AGL on compact diesel engines showed that 63% of diesel cars retain their value after 36 months. For gasoline cars, it was 53%, while hybrids came to 55%. Not only that, but diesel core engine products are also easily available, such as these from https://goldfarbinc.com/collections/diesel-core-buyer-seller. As they are tremendously fuel-efficient, car buyers find this a big selling point, considering gas prices are high.
#5 Greater fuel efficiency
While diesel does cost slightly more than your regular petrol or gasoline, it's much robust in energy. In fact, diesel-powered engines have resulted in 20% to 30% better fuel efficiency when driving. The BMW 328d (d for diesel), for instance, gives drivers better mileage than the gasoline-powered Smart Fortwo coupe. The BMW also produces 180 horsepower, compared to the Smart’s tiny 70.
#6 It gives you more bang for your buck when buying fancy cars.
Did you know that more expensive cars bring more value if it's diesel-powered? It carries greater value for the fuel. The current national average price for premium gasoline is $3.866/gallon. For diesel, it’s $3.876/gallon. If you drive more expensive cars, then driving on diesel will help you save more in terms of fuel costs.
#7 It has a lower fire hazard.
Nobody wants to get into an accident, but maybe this bit of information might make you feel safer driving. Diesel-powered engines have a lower rate of fuel ignition because it has a higher flashpoint than petrol/gasoline. This doesn't mean that it won't catch on fire - it will. But then, a small spark isn't likely enough to set a car ablaze in the event of an accident.
#8 It comes with lower maintenance.
The chemistry is different between gasoline and diesel engines. While it's still an internal-combustion engine, diesel engines have been proven to require less maintenance and have a higher lifespan. While gasoline engines have a spark-style ignition system, diesel engines use compressed hot air to ignite the fuel. This absence greatly reduces the engine's maintenance, thus reducing the cost, reducing potential electrical failures, and resulting in a more reliable engine. The time between regular maintenance services is also much longer compared to gasoline engines.
#9 Diesel engines emit less CO2.
When we zero in on CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases alone, diesel engines fare better than gasoline engines. This is thanks to the type of fuel used and the internal efficiency of the diesel engine. Fuel used in diesel engines has a higher compression ratio, resulting in less fuel consumption to travel the same distance as gasoline engines, thus saving more CO2.
Also, because trucks and heavy machinery have been around for decades, the chances of finding a diesel fuel pump compared to public charging infrastructure are higher.
#10 Diesel engine cars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This is additional information, especially for car buyers who like muscle power. Ever since 2006, every car with diesel-powered engines, such as the Audi R10 TDI, Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, Audi R15 TDI plus, Audi R18 TDI, and Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro, has won the famous endurance race.
The debate between which engine is much better for the environment will continue until another cleaner, greener solution is available at an affordable rate. That said, these ten reasons are a great starting point to help you decide whether to switch to a diesel engine or not. Nothing will be perfect, but it all boils down to your preference - what you can and can't live without. Maybe your goal is for lower maintenance and higher torque power, or maybe emitting less CO2 when you go on long journeys is what you’re looking for. At the end of the day, weigh your options and see which engine suits your budget and lifestyle.