Diesel fuel is most commonly made from petroleum, however the term can also refer to biodiesel. Diesel fuel has long been used by truck drivers to transport goods around the United States. A few car styles also utilize diesel fuel. Some car owners enjoy their diesel vehicles so much that they wouldn't purchase anything else. While a diesel running car can get more miles and live a longer life, there are also some real disadvantages to driving a diesel-powered car.
In most areas of the country, diesel fuel costs more per gallon than regular gasoline. While trucks that run on hundreds of gallons per tank may get the gas mileage to justify the added expense, that is not always the case. Diesel engines are more fuel efficient, but when you add in the extra cost of the fuel, the extra taxes some areas place on diesel fuel and the challenge in finding diesel in some areas, whether it is worth a few extra miles per gallon to run a diesel engine becomes debatable.
People who live in colder climates will find that diesel doesn't run as well in colder temperatures. As the temperature drops, the diesel fuel forms crystals and becomes almost gel-like. This can mean that diesel engines are a real challenge to start in the winter. Also, fuel lines can become clogged more easily.
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils. However, to produce biodiesel requires massive amounts of farmland. This is land that is no longer being used to grow food and thus uses up valuable resources, which can drive up the cost of fruits, grains and vegetables, and products using those plants.
It costs more to keep a diesel engine going than a gas engine, because the diesel engine requires more frequent oil changes. However, most diesel engines will run longer than a gas engine.
Diesel engines cost more upfront. The cylinder pressure in diesel engines is much higher than in gasoline engines. This means engine parts like the block, heads, crankshaft, rods, valves and pistons must all be built sturdier, which costs more money. Diesel engines often weigh as much as 300 lbs. more than a gasoline engine of the same size.
When accelerating and idling, even today's newest diesel trucks still shake a lot more than gasoline engine trucks. Recent advances in automotive technology mean that when up to full speed, such as on the interstate, there is little difference between the two as far as noise. However, at low speeds and when accelerating, there is a big difference.
