Are you thinking about buying a diesel but aren’t sure where to start?
Maybe you have friends who’ve been buying diesel trucks, and you want to know what all the fuss is about. Maybe you’ve been seeing more diesels driven around your area, and you’re curious to know what sets them apart from other vehicles. Or maybe you need to upgrade your old gas-powered pickup to something more modern.
Either way, you can find a diesel truck that’s perfect for your work and lifestyle. However, there are some things everyone should know before buying their first diesel truck. From maintenance to fuel efficiency, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for everything diesel ownership involves.
This article will explain five things you should know before buying a diesel truck. The following points should give you a clear idea of what to expect as a new diesel owner, as well as suggest what kind of diesel truck would be right for your needs. Whether you’re brand-new to diesel trucks or you’re a diesel-driving veteran, keep reading to learn five things everyone should know before buying a diesel truck.
1. What Diesel Trucks Are For
If you ask an experienced driver what diesel trucks are known for, they’ll probably mention towing power. Heavy-duty diesels are much more powerful than their gas-powered counterparts when it comes to hauling heavy loads. The difference between light-duty gas- and diesel-powered trucks is less significant but still substantial.
If you need a truck that can reliably pull large loads, you can’t go wrong with a diesel motor.
But their impressive towing strength isn’t the only advantage diesels have. They’re also very durable, which makes them perfect for off-road travel. Considering that construction and farm equipment is almost always diesel-powered, it’s no surprise that diesels are well known for their durability.
2. How Diesels Differ From Gas-Powered Engines
Aside from the differences in performance, how are diesels different from gas-powered engines at a technical level?
At the most basic level, a conventional gasoline-fueled engine starts using a spark from a sparkplug that lights the fuel. On the other hand, a Diesel engine ignites using high compression, which causes the diesel fuel to spontaneously combust. This is why diesels are sometimes referred to as compression ignition engines.
Internal combustion pressures are higher for diesel engines than for gas engines, and this results in more wear for diesel components. However, because diesel engines are built to be more robust, they tend to have a longer lifespan than gasoline-powered engines. It’s also worth noting that Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gas engines.
3. What Diesels Cost Compared to Other Vehicles
Perhaps the only real downside of diesel trucks compared to gas-powered alternatives is their price. In fact, a heavy-duty diesel truck can cost as much as $10,000 more than the same truck with a gasoline engine.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to diesels. We mentioned earlier that the components in a diesel vehicle have to be stronger to withstand the compression ignition process. But this results in a more heavy-duty truck that’s likely to last longer than a gas-powered one.
The good news is that diesel trucks tend to hold value well compared to gas-fueled vehicles. If you eventually go to sell your diesel truck, you may be surprised by how much you can get for it.
4. Fuel Economy for Diesel Trucks
We mentioned earlier that diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines. When it comes to comparing diesel mileage with fuel usage, you’ll find that diesel trucks can be around 15% more fuel-efficient than gas-powered vehicles. Fuel economy tends to improve by roughly the same amount.
However, it’s important to note that diesel fuel costs are somewhat higher than gasoline costs on average. Most of the time, you can expect to spend 15 to 20 cents more per gallon on diesel fuel compared to gasoline.
Perhaps the best thing about diesels’ excellent fuel economy is the extended range that translates into. Because diesels are so fuel-efficient, they’ll go farther on a single tank of fuel than a similar gas-powered vehicle would.
5. What Maintenance is Like for Diesels
As with their up-front cost, diesel maintenance tends to be more expensive than maintenance for gas-powered trucks. Diesel engines are more complex than gasoline engines, and this results in a need for additional maintenance. Tire wear is also a bigger problem for diesel trucks, not least of all because of the larger loads they can carry.
It can also be more difficult to find someone qualified to service a diesel truck than to find a mechanic for gas-powered vehicles. Fortunately, residents living near Rocklin, California can get expert diesel servicing from the Diesel Performance Specialist center.
Buying a Diesel and Working With Diesel Performance Specialist
Buying a diesel is a pretty big deal. From determining your budget to making your final choice, there are a lot of decisions you’ll have to make along the way. Fortunately, you now know enough about how diesels work and what sets them apart to make a confident decision.
Of course, buying your diesel truck is just the beginning. It’s also important to maintain your truck correctly, and that involves finding the right diesel service center. Book an appointment with the Diesel Performance Specialists in Rocklin to get the diesel care your truck deserves.
