In an era where consumers are looking to save money on fuel prices, one alternative to consider is diesel fuel. It burns more efficiently than gasoline, which can result in cost savings in the long run. It can also result in increased power, which is an advantage over both gasoline and hybrid vehicles. Diesel fuel has made strides in regard to some of previous drawbacks, such as the noise and unpleasant odor emitted from diesel vehicles of the 1980s.
Diesel fuel typically burns much more efficiently than gasoline, which can make it an attractive option for drivers. According to Bankrate.com, diesel can result in fuel savings of 20 percent to 30 percent. Some diesel vehicles, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, can achieve close to 50 miles per gallon on the highway.
Engines powered by diesel fuel are also known for their longevity. While a diesel vehicle may be slightly more expensive to purchase, the longer engine life can mean that you would need to replace vehicles less frequently. Bankrate.com indicates that with proper routine maintenance, a diesel engine can last up to 250,000 miles.
Diesel-fueled engines can provide better performance when compared with gasoline engines. This is demonstrated by their ability to accelerate quickly when taking off from a stop sign or red light. Diesel is also better for hauling and towing, which makes it a better choice if you frequently pull a trailer on camping trips or vacations.
In the United States, much of the supply of diesel fuel is found domestically, so there is little need to import it. This differs from oil, where there is a heavy demand on importing from abroad, especially from the Middle East. This can help to keep the cost down in the United States because it is not at the mercy of foreign governments.
Diesel fuel technology has evolved to the point where it is much less harmful to the environment. Because it results in less fuel being consumed per mile, diesel engines can actually emit less carbon dioxide, which is the gas primarily believed to be responsible for causing global warming. Also, emission standards of diesel vehicles have been upgraded to meet those of gasoline vehicles as of 2009.
