For the longest time, diesel engines have been mostly confined to ships and trucks, with most passenger cars in the US having gasoline engines. The lack of dependency on diesel engines may be highly attributed to the myths and misconceptions associated with them. This article will debunk some of the most common diesel engine myths.
Diesel Engine Emission is Dirty
A common myth about diesel engines is that they are dirty compared to gasoline. This is, however, not true considering the stringent EPA emissions requirements in the US that have included Diesel Particulate Filters to remove 95% of visible smoke. It is also a criterion for diesel engines to use ultralow sulphur diesel, nearly the same quality as gasoline engines. These regulations are carried into Canada as well.
Diesel vehicles from 2007 and later have modern diesel engines as most auto manufacturers seek to improve air quality. You can, therefore, drive a diesel engine car without worrying that you are emitting a significant amount of air pollution.
Tough to Find Diesel at the Pump
Thanks to technology, diesel engines are now cleaner and quieter, which has made them earn a lot of popularity. As the demand for diesel engines increases, most gas stations are currently offering it on the pump. Unlike before, there is no shortage of diesel, and you can easily locate gas stations that provide it.
Winter is a Problem for Diesel Engines
It is not true that diesel engines will experience difficulty starting during winter or in areas with low temperatures than gasoline engines. Unlike gasoline, which is partly vapour, diesel tends to jell and is not very volatile. Because of this, some hydrocarbons found in diesel tend to become gelatinous when the temperature is below 40 degrees F.
Fortunately, glow plugs can come in handy to vaporize the diesel engine in low temperatures. The plugs are heated by the batteries, increasing the diesel’s room temperature. Also, diesel engines with block heaters are more likely to start in winter. It also helps to ensure that the batteries and intake grid heater are in optimal condition.
Diesel Engines Struggle to Perform at High Elevations
Diesel engines are believed to perform poorly at high elevations due to thin air. This is wrong since diesel engines can pull more fuel and air into the combustion chambers, giving a higher power output.
Also, the efficiency of gasoline engines is more easily affected than diesel engines when it comes to the thinner air in high elevations. This is because diesel engines can work with varying fuel-to-air ratios to perform effectively.
A Diesel Engine Can’t be Tuned
You can easily tune a diesel engine to give your car more power and torque. These engines come with components that can be adjusted and set periodically. This is unlike gasoline engines that require extra components for tuning.
Diesel Prices are Higher Than Gasoline
Usually, the cost of fuel is influenced by local tax regulations. In most parts of Canada, diesel is a similar price to gasoline. The price of diesel vs. gas fluctuates, especially in winter, when diesel will generally become more expensive due to demand.
Diesel Engine Repair and Maintenance
Another myth worth debunking is that diesel engine repair in Calgary and maintenance are more expensive than gasoline. However, a diesel engine can perform better, last longer, and offer better fuel economy with proper diesel repair and maintenance.
