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In the US, diesel vehicles account for only about three percent of the nation’s vehicles. Meanwhile, about 50% of European cars run on diesel fuel. A series of policy changes cemented the differences, although diesel vehicles are still available in the US.
Understanding diesel and gasoline engine operations can give you a better idea of how they work and what the benefits are. Let’s take a look at the differences between diesel vs gas engines and how they affect you and your vehicle.
Understanding Gas and Diesel Operations
Overall, diesel and gas engines work similarly. They use internal combustion with a series of rapid explosions in the engine. This works to turn the fuel into mechanical energy and make the vehicle move. However, the way the explosions occur is different.
In a gasoline engine, air and fuel mix together and the mixture is then compressed by pistons. Spark plugs cause the fuel-air mixture to ignite, creating the combustion that makes the vehicle go.
In a diesel engine, the air is compressed first, making it hot. When the fuel hits the hot air, it ignites, powering the vehicle.
The way fuel is injected into the two kinds of engines is also different. Diesel engines inject the fuel directly into the cylinder.
Gas engines can either use a port injection system or a carburetor. In a port injection system, the air is injected into the fuel immediately before the intake stroke. With a carburetor, the fuel and air mix together prior to being sent into the cylinder.
Reliability
Diesel engines don’t use spark plugs or the accompanying electrical system. This means there are fewer parts that might malfunction.
Usually, diesel engines go longer and farther before they need major repair services. In addition, when they do need repairs, the service bills tend to be lower.
Diesel engines also come with diesel engine serial numbers. These can help you find the parts your engine used when it was first built, allowing you to get the same exact parts for repairs.
Horsepower and Torque
Gasoline engines produce higher horsepower, with lower torque. The reverse is true for diesel engines. Both offer their own benefits that are better suited for different uses.
Horsepower measures how much power a vehicle produces, leading to stronger and faster speeds. Higher horsepower also correlates with better acceleration.
Torque measures the engine’s ability to turn its flywheel. More torque gets a vehicle going, which can be necessary if it is moving heavy loads.
Because of this, gasoline engines are better suited for sports cars, while bigger trucks usually use diesel engines.
Fuel
If you look at a gas station sign, you’ll see gas prices and diesel prices. Gas prices tend to be lower, due to the way crude oil is refined into each fuel. However, this can be offset by the differences in fuel efficiencies.
Diesel engines get more energy per gallon of fuel than gasoline engines. In fact, diesel engines can be up to 20-35% more efficient than gasoline engines.
Vehicle owners who have a diesel engine can potentially use biodiesel and efficient and sustainable non-petroleum fuel. Just note, you might have to make some modifications to the engine, especially if it’s old.
Understand the Differences Between Diesel vs Gas
If you’re choosing a new vehicle, you may have the choice to choose between a diesel vs gas option. It’s important to understand how each works and the benefits and downsides of each so you can make an informed decision.
To learn more about your vehicle, check out our automotive articles.
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