The Benefits of Diesel Engines
Increased Fuel Economy
Vehicles with diesel engines operate with greater fuel efficiency than gasoline-fueled vehicles. This is because the higher compression rates of diesel engines which can produce greater power while using less fuel. In addition, diesel possesses more energy per litre than gasoline/petrol. Thanks to modern advances in high pressure injection systems the fuel economy of diesel engines has further increased by ensuring fuel is burnt efficiently without waste. In models where turbochargers have been installed, more air is forced into the engine which increases the fuel economy of the vehicle even more as well as increases the power of the vehicle.
Cleaner Emissions
For the reason that diesel engines burn fuel in an excess of air, in combination with high pressure direct injection systems, diesel engines are extremely effective at reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses released during combustion. Advances in diesel technology have helped reduce the amount of fuel which is required for efficient ignition and diesel particulate filters stop soot from being released into the air, eliminating pollution of the environment.
Cheaper Road Taxes
Today, diesel engines are cleaner burning than ever before, producing far less carbon dioxide. After the government review of Vehicle Excise Duty rates for new and used vehicles after March of 2001, road taxes are now based on carbon dioxide emissions of a vehicle, and not the engine capacity. This means that cleaner burning vehicles are given a lower road tax.
Easy to Maintain
Diesel engines function differently from gasoline engines; therefore they have no need for complicated electronic fuel injection systems. By discarding these complicated systems, the potential for ignition failure is eliminated, which in turn improves engine reliability and reduces repair costs. While the regular intervals between servicing for diesel engines may be increased, the actual routine servicing is far less complicated. For example, diesel engines do not require spark plugs, so there is no need for replacements or service charges associated with spark plug replacement.
Increased Towing Power
Many people are interested in horsepower (BHP). This is the measure of the rate in which a vehicle can apply power. Torque on the other hand refers to the strength a vehicle has to accelerate or pull/tow. Typically, diesel engines have far more torque than comparatively sized gasoline/petrol engines. Diesel vehicles have the ability to not only overtake many gasoline engines safely, but can also offer excellent low to mid range power.