The Pros and Cons of Driving Diesel
Shopping for a new car can often time be quite overwhelming.
With tons of options, a buffet of features to choose from, and advances in technology that make your iPhone look primordial, it can be difficult to narrow it down.
But one option that often gets overlooked is whether or not to go with diesel. Which is a shame but definitely understandable (one thinks diesel, the mind goes to loud engines with black exhaust).
Until recently, most of the diesel-powered vehicles were trucks – this was because diesel motors are much better suited for large, heavy vehicles (your tractor trailers, construction vehicles, school buses, etc.).
However, passenger cars with diesel engines are moving up the ranks in popularity, and manufacturers are producing more and more each year. With modern levels of refinement and soundproofing, they’re also often more pleasant to drive.
So wherever you land on the concept of driving a diesel, here are some pros and cons to weigh your options.
Pros
When you say the name Diesel, it brings to mind gas guzzling trucks, doesn’t it? You probably pictured a jacked up Ford or Chevy with wheels the size of boulders. But the main reason that people opt for a diesel engine is for the improved fuel efficiency. Diesel cars frequently get about 30% more km per gallon than the same car with a gasoline-powered engine. Taking into consideration the weight of your car, of course. If you own a truck or SUV, the difference in gas mileage is typically lower, but you’re still saving about 20% more than a gasoline power truck or SUV.
Are you the type of person who drives/travels a lot for their work? Perfect. Because diesel engines are optimal for highway travelling – driving that doesn’t include frequent stopping and starting for traffic lights/stop signs.
Not only that but in a lot of ways, diesel engines require less maintenance since they do not use spark plugs or distributors (this means fewer ignition tune-ups). Best of all? Long lasting car life, which makes your trade-in and resale value much better.
Cons
Ah, the downside. Yes, buying diesel means it’s more expensive than gasoline. For those who like to fill up with the least expensive option possible, the sticker shock certainly isn’t fun. Fortunately, because of your increased cost of diesel, your trips to the pump will be less frequent, and you can expect to pay less in fuel costs each year.
Not all gas stations offer diesel. So before you head out on that open road for a cross-province road trip, be sure you’ve filled up at a pump you know will carry diesel.
Remember when we said diesel engines require less maintenance? Well. They still require regular maintenance, just like any other item of value that you want to perform well. You need to change the oil and the air, oil, and fuel filters. IF you neglect your diesel’s maintenance and the fuel injection system breaks down, you may have to pay a diesel mechanic more to get everything going again.
Diesel technology is constantly being improved. As with all things, there are ups and downs to making a purchase. Overall, buying diesel will save you in the long run for low fuel cost and mileage, but when it comes to service and maintenance, it may cost you more, but ultimately,
At BC Drive, we help you find the best options for your price range and budget. We know how important it is to drive a car that suits your lifestyle, is within your budget, but still providing you optimal performance. Have you applied yet?