Diesel Engine Stereotypes
There has always been a history of stereotypes surrounding what kind of car you drive. If you drive a small, fuel efficient, gasoline powered vehicle you can be considered environmentally considerate and practical when it comes to cost savings on gas; whereas driving a diesel-powered truck shows that you do not care about environment with your smoky, loud engine and you can usually be found at a gas station fueling up. However, are the stereotypes correct? With advancement in clean diesel technology, lower costs in overall maintenance and better fuel efficiency as well as a safer, stronger engine, there is a clear advantage within diesel engines.
First, let’s look at cost using a GMC Sierra 2500HD. Buying the truck initially is more costly
as the V8 Gasoline Sierra goes for $36,515 and the Duramax Sierra is at $45,000. The cost difference is because the engines are built stronger and operate at lower rpms so the parts do not rub together as often making them last longer before needed maintenance or repairs. This also keeps them from being as fast, but that’s nothing a turbocharger cannot fix if that is important to you. This type of endurance alone will save money overall by not having to buy a new vehicle! There are many stories of vehicles that have even lasted over 1 million miles on the original engine. Trade-in values are higher because of this as well compared to the same gasoline powered vehicle.
The higher cost of the initial buy is compensated in part by the maintenance schedules and fuel efficiency. “They typically deliver 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than similarly performing gasoline engines.” (Sclar) Fuel prices are currently about the same for diesel and gasoline at $2.42 for gasoline and $2.57 for diesel. (EIA) The cost of an oil change is slightly more at $50-$70 for a diesel vehicle, since a gasoline vehicle cost $30- $40 but, maintenance schedules are also less. Gasoline engines need to be serviced every 3000 miles whereas diesels can reach up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Diesel emissions have been a major issue in the past and for good reason. Diesel emissions create ground level ozone which makes it difficult to breath, can increase infection within lungs and worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma. There are other factors within the environment that are effected such as damage to some vegetation and slowing growth. Synthetic materials and textiles can also be damaged from the pollution as well. However, the EPA has put in place strict regulations on diesel emissions and the technology in new diesel engines no longer puts out black smoke everywhere. Cleaner fuel has also played a part with ultra-low sulfur fuel being mandatory since 2010. Diesel engines are also able to run on biodiesel which is made from vegetable oil and is a renewable resource, rather than crude oil which is not renewable. This has opened the “ability to use a number of exhaust after-treatment options such as diesel particulate filters (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC), and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) with the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that can be sensitive to the sulfur levels in the fuel.” (Diesel Technology Forum). The engines are quieter and emissions are down making them much safer for the environment and health.
Improvements are continuing to be made in diesel engines to reduce emissions, increase durability and maintain their work-horse reputation that these powerful engines have been known for. With diesel emissions within safe range, overall cost slightly lower than gasoline, and the endurance of an engine that can last for 30+ years, diesel technology is improving to be the well-known, best choice for transportation.
First, let’s look at cost using a GMC Sierra 2500HD. Buying the truck initially is more costly
as the V8 Gasoline Sierra goes for $36,515 and the Duramax Sierra is at $45,000. The cost difference is because the engines are built stronger and operate at lower rpms so the parts do not rub together as often making them last longer before needed maintenance or repairs. This also keeps them from being as fast, but that’s nothing a turbocharger cannot fix if that is important to you. This type of endurance alone will save money overall by not having to buy a new vehicle! There are many stories of vehicles that have even lasted over 1 million miles on the original engine. Trade-in values are higher because of this as well compared to the same gasoline powered vehicle.
The higher cost of the initial buy is compensated in part by the maintenance schedules and fuel efficiency. “They typically deliver 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than similarly performing gasoline engines.” (Sclar) Fuel prices are currently about the same for diesel and gasoline at $2.42 for gasoline and $2.57 for diesel. (EIA) The cost of an oil change is slightly more at $50-$70 for a diesel vehicle, since a gasoline vehicle cost $30- $40 but, maintenance schedules are also less. Gasoline engines need to be serviced every 3000 miles whereas diesels can reach up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Diesel emissions have been a major issue in the past and for good reason. Diesel emissions create ground level ozone which makes it difficult to breath, can increase infection within lungs and worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma. There are other factors within the environment that are effected such as damage to some vegetation and slowing growth. Synthetic materials and textiles can also be damaged from the pollution as well. However, the EPA has put in place strict regulations on diesel emissions and the technology in new diesel engines no longer puts out black smoke everywhere. Cleaner fuel has also played a part with ultra-low sulfur fuel being mandatory since 2010. Diesel engines are also able to run on biodiesel which is made from vegetable oil and is a renewable resource, rather than crude oil which is not renewable. This has opened the “ability to use a number of exhaust after-treatment options such as diesel particulate filters (DPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOC), and selective catalyst reduction (SCR) with the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) that can be sensitive to the sulfur levels in the fuel.” (Diesel Technology Forum). The engines are quieter and emissions are down making them much safer for the environment and health.
Improvements are continuing to be made in diesel engines to reduce emissions, increase durability and maintain their work-horse reputation that these powerful engines have been known for. With diesel emissions within safe range, overall cost slightly lower than gasoline, and the endurance of an engine that can last for 30+ years, diesel technology is improving to be the well-known, best choice for transportation.