Petrol Vs Diesel Cars – Pros and Cons

Should I buy a diesel or petrol car?? This is a question we at Springwood Complete Automotive Services are being asked on a more regular basis, so I thought I would put together a list of some of the basic pros and cons surrounding the difference between diesel and petrol cars to help.

Diesel Engines can be amongst the most fuel efficient cars in Australia. We all know that diesels get great mileage. Diesel fuel economy is normally 25 to 30 percent better than equivalent performing petrol engines. A diesel engine also delivers as much or more fuel economy than traditional hybrids combinations. Most Car manufactures now also offer diesels with stop start technology like VW’s Blue motion or Ford’s Auto start to name just a few, will only further extending the range of the tank.

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nments worldwide have been pushing to produce low-emission diesel engines for not only passenger cars but trucks,

buses, and industrial equipment. There has been many advances with new low-sulphur diesel fuel, catalytic con

verters, particulate advanced filters, and other devices to cut down or destroy toxic emissions like Adblue. Adblue is a

system that injects a urea and water solution into upstream of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) reducing the nitrous-oxide emission by as much as 85%.

Although historically, diesel fuel was cheaper than petrol – in the current market it costs the same amount or more. So as demand for diesel passenger cars increases, diesel fuel prices are likely to continue to increase. Commercial trucks, home and industrial generators, and heating oil, are also increasing in demand placing even more demand. But even if this demand continues to grow, diesel fuel would have to cost 25 to 30 percent more than petrol to outweigh the cost advantage of a diesel engine’s fuel efficiency.

It is true that diesel engines are built sturdier to allow for the strain of higher compression. As a consequence, they normally experience a longer life than petrol powered vehicles before they require major engine rebuilding. The longevity and dependability of diesel engines should be taken into account if the purchase is for the long haul and can help with trade-in and resale values.
It is also true that diesel engines have no spark plugs, coils or distributors, but they still need regular servicing to keep them running. You will still have to change the oil, the air, oil and fuel filters. Later model diesel fuel systems no longer require you to filter off excess water of the system, but many cars and light commercial vehicles still have water separators.

Then there’s good old torque, because of the method used to burn fuel, a diesel engine provides far more torque or pulling power to the rear wheels than a gasoline engine does. Extra torque means that most late model diesel passenger cars move much quicker from a standing start than the equivalent petrol powered options. That’s why if you tow a trailer or caravan or love to get off road, diesel is the best option and gives better fuel economy.

So if you don’t mind the smell of diesel on your hands and more money in your pocket, we think it’s a clear choice.
We hope this pros and cons article makes it a little easier to make a decision when you next purchase a vehicle. If you have any questions about whether you should buy a diesel or petrol car, or about servicing and repair related subjects, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Image Source: AutoGuide.com