Myths About Diesel Trucks
As a Cummins Certified repair center, Bona Bros. Truck & Utilities has seen a fair share of diesel engines. Let’s review some common myths to show how they are the hardest working trucks on the road.
These work horse are typically found in larger commercial trucks (think over the road semi-tractors or construction company boom trucks) but are also found in pick up trucks and even passenger cars.
Let’s take a look at some common myths regarding diesel engines:
3 Common Myths About Diesel Engines
Diesel exhaust is dirty
Images of black smoke billowing on the highway come to mind, and this used to be true many years ago. However, diesel engines in the United States have been required to use ultra-low sulfur diesel or USLD since 2006. This translates into a significantly lower carbon footprint as the exhaust is soot-free and is 33% more fuel efficient on average than gasoline engines.
Diesels engines are loud and sluggish
Large commercial trucks by their nature will be louder and slower when compared to a typical car or pick-up truck. But, did you know that you can purchase an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and many other luxury sedans and sports cars with diesel engines? A gasoline engine technically has more horsepower and top speeds, but the increased torque found in diesel engines gives you initial power that allows for quicker acceleration and can travel up hills easier. Add in that you no longer hear them from a mile away like you used to, diesel engines allow for surprisingly comfortable rides.
Diesels have a bad resale value.
Again, not true. Vehicles naturally depreciate with use and most people sell them well before the end of their useful life. On average, diesel engines tend to cost more upfront but also have a considerably longer lifespan and a higher resale value than their gas counterparts. Ask any diesel technician and they will assure you the parts for these engines are heavy and strong.
While there are many benefits to owning a vehicle with a diesel engine, one major concern for folks in the Minneapolis area is cold weather. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs and instead rely on temperature, which means they have a difficult time starting in our Minnesota winters. Fortunately, a simple fix is to add a “glow plug” or block heater that maintains a minimum temperature for easy starts
If you are in the market for a new vehicle that is powerful, easy on fuel, and a relatively low cost of ownership with a high resale value, you may want to consider one with a diesel engine. Once you do, our team of ASE certified technicians and expert service advisors would be pleased to help keep your vehicle in peak condition for many years of use.