Pros and Cons of Diesel Engines

Here in Mid Missouri, we live in truck country. As your Mid Missouri Car Dealer, we see people use their cars and trucks for many different purposes. When we speak of heavy-duty trucks, we instantly think of diesel engines. You have most likely heard of the Cummins, Duramax or Powerstroke diesel engines that the big three American trucks offer. Spielers Incorporated sells and services the Ram Heavy Duty trucks with the Cummins diesel engine. This is a topic that most folks will already have a preference one way or another. We want to explain the advantages and the disadvantages so you can decide for yourself.

Pros: Advantages of Diesel Engines

• More Efficient: Diesels get great fuel mileage. Up to 30% better than a gas engine in some cases.

• More Torque: The main reason you see so many trucks with diesel engines is that they make much more torque. Which is low-speed power. So, if you are towing a trailer or hauling heavy loads a diesel accelerates much quicker than a gas engine.

• Longevity: Diesel engines have a track record for having a long-life expectancy. This is because diesel fuel is a very light oil. When it burns in an internal combustion engine it basically lubricates the valves, rings and piston walls.

Cons: Disadvantages of Diesel Engines

• Upgrade Cost: For instance, on a new 2019 Ram 2500 the Cummins diesel engine upgrade cost is $9,300 over the standard 5.7L V8 Hemi gas engine and $8,800 over the 6.7L Hemi.

• Fuel Cost: It wasn’t long ago that diesel fuel was less expensive in gasoline. With diesel being used for so many things nowadays the demand has increased the cost of fuel.

• Maintenance Cost: Diesel engines hold a lot of oil. In some cases, almost twice as much as a gasoline engine. Plus, diesel fuel is dirty so there are fuel filters that need to be changed regularly. A diesel engine service visit can cost as much as twice as much as a service on a gasoline engine.

A person who plans to tow a trailer or haul heavy loads will see the benefit of the diesels power versus the person who will drive the truck empty most of the time and on occasion tow a trailer or boat. If you are looking for a fuel economy passenger car or light duty truck you will see the added benefit of greater fuel mileage with the diesel. While the same vehicle with a gas engine will cost less initially, plus less maintenance cost and cheaper fuel yet will not get the fuel mileage.

The diesel versus gas argument will likely never be resolved but hopefully, this will shed some light on some information to help you decide. What you are using the vehicle for will play a big deciding factor in your choice. The best way to make an educated decision on purchasing a diesel or a gas engine is getting all the information you can. Compile the cost of the vehicles, the cost of maintenance and the cost of fuel over the lifetime. Then you can see if the extra cost pays for the difference in fuel mileage, performance, and longevity. For more information on gas and diesel engines reach out to your California, MO dealership and our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants can help guide you to the best conclusion.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

      Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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