After considering budget and one’s needs, choosing between a diesel and gas engine truck can be tricky. There is also the purchasing process to consider when buying a car. Both engines have pros and cons, and other people’s arguments can be persuasive.
Regardless of your choice in buying a truck, it is essential to make the most of your hard-earned money. Going for a diesel truck can be beneficial. Primarily diesel performance is popularly known for having more mileage and power. Here is a short history of how the diesel engine parts came to be to learn more about diesel trucks and the different reasons why you should get a diesel truck.
The History of the Diesel Engine
Diving into the history can help in understanding the function of diesel performance parts.
Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine around the 1890s when steam was the most used engine. He developed the diesel engine as part of his task to experiment and improve its efficiency. However, he suffered from severe injuries in an accident while he was working on a project.
After this, he then decided to put steam engines behind him and develop his model instead. The idea of how highly compressed air can produce a better combustion process laid the groundwork for his invention that he brought to life nearly after a decade of hard work. While his internal combustion engine did not reach the 75% efficiency he had set, the 26.2% efficiency of the machine was significant to eventually beat the 6% efficiency of gas and 12% efficiency of steam engines.
Diesel engines eventually became the most popular engine, especially as it was integrated into commercial and military machines. By the end of 1912, around 70,000 diesel engines were being used.
Today, modern diesel engines provide power to some of the enormous machines known to man. Whether it is a truck, train, or ship, diesel engines primarily serve as the heart of these vehicles.
How Does a Diesel Engine Work?
Diesel and gas engines are both combustion engines that follow the same four-stroke cycle:
● Intake Stroke, where the fuel gets injected into the machine, and the pistons descend and suck air through its valves.
● Compression Stroke is where the engine’s valves close, and the piston compresses the air and mixes with the fuel as it starts to move up.
● Power Stroke, wherein the mixture of air and diesel is spontaneously ignited. It then releases heat energy to push the piston down.
● Exhaust Stroke, where the mixture of air and fuel is pushed out of the cylinder through the exhaust valves.
While these two combustion engines seem similar, they both have different means for igniting fuel. Since the two fuels burn differently, diesel engines utilize a fuel injector, while gas engines use a spark plug.
A diesel engine has greater efficiency due to its higher compression ratio. In a diesel engine, the air and fuel are injected at different phases of the four-stroke cycle. It only compresses the air, giving it a greater compression capacity with a ratio of 14:1 to 25:1.
On the other hand, gas engines have compression ratios of 8:1 up to 12:1. Having more power for your car will always be an advantage regardless of what it is used for.
Why You Should Consider Diesel When Buying a Truck
To help you decide which truck to buy, here are the different benefits that diesel engine trucks and diesel performance fuel additives can offer.
More Mileage
Diesel engine trucks have more mileage than gas trucks, as the average diesel truck can run around 500,000 to 800,000 miles in its lifetime. Since the diesel performance parts are made to withstand high combustion activity, its sturdy design can last for a long time and be free from any significant breakdown.
More Power
Diesel engines also produce more torque, making them capable of heavy-duty activities. Activities that require a lot of power, like deliveries from one country to another or a long road trip, can be possible with the help of a reliable diesel truck and a diesel performance additive.
Fuel Economy
If you look at fuel station prices, it is easy to think that diesel trucks are cheaper than other truck variations. If you also consider performance, diesel costs much less, generating more energy and burning fuel at a relatively slower rate. One full tank of diesel can last longer, which can help you go the extra mile without breaking the bank if you are often driving on highways.
Relatively Cheaper Maintenance Costs
Like any other vehicle, it is essential to have regular maintenance checks to ensure quality and performance on the road. It is undeniable that the complexity of diesel trucks can require the help of a diesel performance specialist, which can result in higher expenses. However, if you responsibly get your truck checked regularly, there is no need to worry about this as diesel engines are built to be tough, and you can make it last longer without major repairs if you take good care of your truck.
Better Models Are Now Available
Diesel trucks can also be more environmentally friendly today, aside from running smoother than ever before. With the innovations in the automotive industry and efforts toward environmental conservation, there are high-performing and eco-friendly models of diesel trucks that vibrate less.
Higher Resale Value
If you need to sell your truck, it can give some financial breathing room as second-hand truck buyers always look for reliable and excellently maintained trucks. Many buyers are searching for good diesel engine trucks with more longevity than trucks with gas engines.
Read More: Different types of diesel engine
For more information about diesel engine trucks, here is an infographic by Pure Diesel Power.
