Diesel is a petroleum-based fuel, derived from the same crude oil as gasoline. When distilled, the lighter fuel becomes gasoline and the heavier fuel is made into diesel. Because diesel is denser than gasoline, it provides more energy, or specifically better fuel economy, per gallon. But it does also have some drawbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s look at the pros and cons of diesel<\/span> fuel<\/a><\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n The Pros<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Diesel fuel is more efficient<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to fuel economy, diesel-powered cars go far. Indeed, up to 30 percent farther per gallon of fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n Biofuel use is possible<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Unlike some gasoline engines, many<\/span>\u00a0diesel engines<\/a><\/strong> are designed to run on biofuel. Typically this involves B20 biodiesel, composed of a blend of 80 percent straight diesel and 20 percent organic-based fuel. Biofuel is cleaner burning, but it also is less efficient than straight diesel fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n Diesel engines last longer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Diesel engines are composed of more robust parts than gasoline engines, in a bid to handle the higher compression ratios and heavier fuel required. The upside here is that these engines can last about twice as long as a comparable gasoline engines.<\/span><\/p>\n Maintenance is simpler and cheaper<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Diesel engines don\u2019t come with spark plugs or a distributor, parts that must be replaced on gasoline engines according to the vehicle\u2019s maintenance schedule. Diesels offer higher twisting force. Twisting force or torque is a form of power produced by engines and most noticeable when climbing a hill or pulling a heavy object, such as a trailer. Diesel-powered vehicles offer optimum torque and superior trailering capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cons<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Diesel fuel costs more<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Pull up to most any service station pump that sells both gasoline and diesel fuel, and the cost of diesel is usually higher than gasoline. One reason for the difference is that the federal excise tax for diesel fuel is 24.4 cents per gallon, but just 18 cents per gallon for gasoline.<\/span><\/p>\n Diesel fuel pollutes more<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Diesel fuel has a higher level of secondary organic aerosol, a major component of smog. Although diesel-powered vehicles, including commercial trucks, represent only a small portion of the vehicles on the road, they generate a higher concentration of\u00a0Secondary Organic Aerosols (SOA)<\/span> than gasoline-powered cars.<\/span><\/p>\n Cold weather makes for a harder start<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n When temperatures drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, diesel-powered cars are more difficult to start. Such engines require higher temperatures to ignite the fuel. However, a simple workaround is to invest in a block heater to keep the engine warm when the vehicle is not in use.<\/span><\/p>\n Diesel vehicles are louder<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n If you place a premium on a quietly operating vehicle, a diesel-powered model will always be louder, although sound-deadening materials may mitigate some of that noise.<\/span><\/p>\n Diesel-Powered Value?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Choose a diesel-powered model and you\u2019ll pay more for that vehicle than one comparably powered by a gasoline motor. A total cost of ownership paper released by the<\/span> University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute<\/a><\/strong> in 2013 comparing gasoline and diesel models, found that this premium ranged from a few hundred dollars for select Mercedes-Benz models to more than $10,000 for select heavy-duty pickup trucks used chiefly for commercial purposes. However, the resale rate for such models is usually higher, enabling owners to recoup their investment.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information on the pros and cons of diesel fuel, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local<\/span> NAPA AUTO PARTS store<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo Credit:\u00a0<\/span>Maserati Ghibli diesel !!!!<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0by<\/span>\u00a0SuperCar-RoadTrip.fr<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>(<\/span>CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/strong>).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n