There’s a reason why you won’t see a gasoline engine in a semi-truck; a gasoline engine doesn’t have the chops to handle the semi and its load. If you’ve ever traveled to Europe, you noticed most small vehicles have diesel engines, as well. Why? Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair explains the benefits of diesel engines to semi-trucks and other commercial and personal vehicles.
Better Energy Production
Diesel engines run more efficiently and, as such, burn fuel more efficiently. Using general numbers, gasoline engines produce 125,000 BTUs whereas diesel engines produce 147,000 BTUs. In other words, you get more BTUs per gallon of diesel fuel than you do per gallon of gasoline. A diesel engine will produce more energy than a gasoline engine will, which increases its power and payload capability.
Cost-Efficient
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude that if a diesel engine produces more energy than a gasoline engine does, it is more cost-efficient. Check out the prices the next time you head to the gas station. You’ll notice that diesel costs about the same as gasoline. It might even cost less per gallon. Less expense yet greater fuel efficiency and energy production means diesel fuel costs less overall.
Let’s break down some facts to support this. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines are
- Less expensive to run
- Consume 20 percent less fuel
- More efficient than gasoline engines
- Produce higher low-speed torque
- Better at powering load hauls
- Better at speed increases
You might argue that despite all these advantages diesels are noisy, smelly, and bad for the environment. Today’s technology, however, has produced cleaner and quieter diesels, which means some newer engines can even rival hybrid engines when it comes to fuel efficiency.
Greater Lifespan
Finally, diesels have greater life spans than gasoline engines do. Diesel engines produce more power at lower RPMs, which means they don’t wear down as quickly. Diesel engines function the same way gasoline engines do using 2500 or fewer RPMs, which means the parts last longer and, as such, the engines do. This also reduces operating expenses for semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.
Diesel engines offer the same benefits to personal vehicle drivers so next time you’re in the market for a new car, truck, or SUV, consider a diesel. For professional drivers, Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene, OR, is your semi-truck repair shop. Call us to discuss your rig or fleet maintenance schedule and repair.