Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel is generally considered more efficient than gasoline, with diesel vehicles getting around 40 miles per gallon (17 kilometers per liter). However, diesel-powered cars often cost more upfront and can be more expensive to maintain, which may negate any savings at the pump. While some sources claim that diesel vehicles do not save money, others argue that the higher initial cost can be offset by lower fuel costs over time. Additionally, diesel vehicles have better resale value and depreciate slower than their gasoline counterparts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | Diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient than gasoline cars. |
| Cost savings | Diesel engines may result in cost savings due to lower fuel consumption, but this is offset by higher initial costs, insurance, and maintenance expenses. |
| Resale value | Diesel vehicles generally have better resale value and depreciate less than other fuel types. |
| Environmental impact | Diesel engines produce lower greenhouse gas emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly. |
| Fuel cards and discounts | Fuel cards, such as Multi Service Fuel Card and TSD card, offer discounts and ways to save money when purchasing diesel fuel. |
| Driving habits | Driving habits, such as maintaining optimal speed, using cruise control, and reducing idling, can significantly impact fuel efficiency and costs. |
| Vehicle choice | Choosing the right vehicle, such as the Ford F-350 or Mercedes GL350 Bluetec 4Matic, can result in cost savings due to their fuel efficiency and lower fuel consumption. |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel vehicles cost more to buy and maintain
While diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient, they are more expensive to buy and maintain. A diesel-powered car may cost a little more initially, but some argue that the difference is made up for in fuel savings. However, this is not always the case.
For example, the 2014 VW Jetta SportWagen comes in both gasoline and diesel versions. The basic gas model sells for $20,795, while the diesel model is listed at $26,250, a difference of $5,455. According to EPA estimates, the gas model gets 26 miles per gallon, while the diesel model gets 40 miles per gallon. While the diesel model has better fuel efficiency, one must consider whether the improved mileage justifies the higher upfront cost.
In addition to higher upfront costs, diesel vehicles also tend to have higher maintenance costs. Routine maintenance costs are generally higher for diesel engines, and diesel engine parts tend to be more expensive. Diesel engines also require specialized maintenance and repair, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission system maintenance and repair, and turbocharger maintenance, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
According to a 2012 study by Vincentric, when all costs to own and operate a diesel vehicle were taken into account, the average cost of ownership for diesels was $1,203 more than their gasoline-powered counterparts, assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 miles over five years. These findings were largely unchanged in the company's 2014 follow-on study.
However, it is worth noting that diesel vehicles do not require repairs as often as gas-powered vehicles. On average, a gas-powered vehicle can go about 200,000 miles before needing extensive repairs, while a diesel vehicle can go up to a million miles. Therefore, the higher maintenance and repair costs of diesel vehicles may be offset by their longer lifespans and less frequent repair needs.
Overall, while diesel vehicles may offer fuel savings, they typically come with higher upfront costs and maintenance expenses. Whether the fuel savings offset the higher costs depends on various factors, including annual mileage, the lifespan of the vehicle, and the cost of diesel fuel versus gasoline.
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Diesel vehicles use less fuel
Diesel vehicles are more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines have better fuel economy, with some diesel cars getting around 40 miles per gallon (17 kilometers per liter). For example, the diesel-powered VW Jetta SportWagen gets 17 miles per gallon (7.2 kilometers per liter) combined, while the gas-powered model gets 26 miles per gallon (11.1 kilometers per liter).
The higher fuel efficiency of diesel engines means that they use less fuel, which can result in significant savings for owners. For instance, the diesel-powered VW Jetta SportWagen saves $1,450 a year in fuel costs compared to the gas-powered model. Similarly, the diesel-powered Ford F-350 saves $1,999 in fuel costs over five years, according to Vincentric.
However, it is important to note that diesel-powered vehicles typically cost more upfront and may have higher insurance and maintenance costs, which can offset the savings from lower fuel consumption. For example, the diesel version of the VW Jetta SportWagen costs $5,455 more than the gas-powered model.
Overall, while diesel vehicles may provide fuel savings due to their higher fuel efficiency, there are other factors to consider when evaluating the total cost of ownership.
- Avoid idling: Idling can consume a significant amount of fuel, so it is recommended to turn off the engine when possible.
- Use cruise control: Advanced cruise control systems can optimize engine and travel speed, reducing fuel consumption.
- Maintain a steady speed: Driving over 55 mph increases fuel consumption, so maintaining a steady speed can help improve fuel efficiency.
- Utilize alternative power sources: When possible, use truckstop electrification or shore power to reduce engine idling and fuel consumption.
- Plan ahead: Anticipating traffic patterns and maintaining a safe following distance can help avoid unnecessary stops and reduce fuel usage.
- Use the right equipment: Ensure your vehicle has the right-sized equipment for optimal fuel efficiency, especially when operating at high RPMs and loads.
- Upgrade to newer models: Newer diesel engines are often more fuel-efficient than older generations, so consider upgrading to improve fuel economy.
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$108.99
Diesel cards and savings programs
One such company is Multi Service Fuel Card, which offers a diesel discount program tailored to the needs of truck drivers and trucking companies. Their program provides significant savings at fueling stations nationwide, with a focus on maximizing discounts for their customers. The Multi Service Fuel Card is perfect for owner-operators with 1-10 trucks, as it allows them to leverage the buying power of thousands of fleets using the same program. For larger fleets, they offer a dedicated account manager and a pre-established diesel discount program to maximize fuel savings. Additionally, Multi Service Fuel Card provides tips to improve diesel fuel mileage, such as finding the engine's sweet spot, avoiding excessive idling, and using truckstop electrification.
Another popular option is the DAT One Fuel Card, which offers diesel fuel discounts to owner-operators and small businesses. The card provides access to the Fuel Finder feature, allowing users to search for discounted fuel rates along their route, thus saving time and money.
The TCS Fuel Card is also designed with small to medium-sized trucking companies in mind, offering significant diesel fuel discounts and unique benefits like cash advances at truck stops.
AtoB Fuel Cards are known for their savings through security, station selection tools, and software. They offer an average savings of $0.46 per gallon and are accepted anywhere, providing users with control over their expenses.
The Coast Fuel Card is another convenient option, accepted anywhere that takes Visa. It offers fuel discounts and cash back on non-fuel purchases, along with an intuitive platform for tracking spending and managing fleet cards.
Overall, diesel cards and savings programs can provide valuable discounts and tools to help businesses and individuals optimize their fuel costs, especially when coupled with mindful driving habits to improve mileage.
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Driving habits to improve mileage
Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than similarly-sized gasoline engines, but there are still ways to improve mileage through driving habits and vehicle modifications.
- Avoid accelerating quickly and maintain a smooth, steady acceleration to prevent excessive fuel burning.
- Use cruise control on flat terrain to maintain a constant speed without having to manually accelerate.
- Drive at lower speeds. Trucks burn less fuel at lower speeds, which is why there is often a 55-mph speed limit for vehicles on the highway.
- Turn your engine off instead of idling, as excessive warm-up times sap diesel fuel.
- Use shore/truckstop power when possible to plug in and cool the vehicle while stopped, saving an estimated $3,240 annually.
- Get to your next gear slowly, rather than quickly, to save fuel.
- Find your engine's sweet spot: once you achieve your cruising speed, operating in the peak torque zone gives you the best possible horsepower and diesel fuel mileage.
- Use your air conditioner sparingly, as running the air uses fuel.
- Anticipate upcoming traffic lights and avoid coming to a complete stop if you can safely slow down enough to avoid stopping.
- Maintain an extended following distance so that you are less likely to have to stop and accelerate again.
- Use truckstops at the top of hills to allow your truck's momentum to carry it downhill, requiring less fuel.
- Keep your vehicle's load weight within the manufacturer's recommended limit for optimal fuel efficiency.
Vehicle modifications to improve mileage
- Install aftermarket performance parts such as performance air filters, exhaust systems, and performance chips to improve engine efficiency.
- Upgrade to high-quality diesel fuel, which contains fewer impurities and burns cleaner, resulting in less engine wear and greater longevity.
- Reduce drag with vortex generators, fairings, side skirts, vented mud flaps, drive fenders, and wheel covers.
- Switch from standard to synthetic oil, which can improve fuel economy by as much as 11%.
- Keep your vehicle well-serviced with regular oil changes and clean or replaced air and fuel filters to prevent unnecessary fuel waste.
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Fuel efficiency of diesel engines
Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines. Diesel fuel contains roughly 10% to 15% more energy than gasoline, allowing diesel vehicles to go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are also more fuel-efficient per kilogram of fuel: 19.1 MJ/kg for diesel compared to 17.6 MJ/kg for gasoline. This greater energy efficiency means that diesel-powered cars often achieve 40 to 50 miles per gallon or higher.
However, diesel engines are not always more cost-effective than gasoline engines, despite their greater fuel efficiency. Diesel engines tend to be more expensive to buy and maintain, which can negate the savings made through greater fuel efficiency, particularly for pickup trucks. For example, the 2014 VW Jetta SportWagen costs $5,455 more in its diesel version, a difference that may not be made up through fuel savings.
Diesel engines are also better suited to certain types of driving. They are more fuel-efficient over long distances but are less suited to short-distance city driving, where they may experience clogging of the engine's particulate filter. Diesel engines are also less suited to stop-start traffic, where they are more likely to idle and waste fuel.
There are several ways to improve the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. Many of these techniques involve careful driving, such as avoiding idling, accelerating and decelerating gently, and maintaining a consistent cruising speed. Other techniques include turning off the air conditioning, using truckstops at the top of hills, and using shore power (truckstop electrification) to cool the vehicle while it is stopped.
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Frequently asked questions
Diesel fuel is more efficient and can save you money, but diesel vehicles are more expensive to buy and maintain, which can cancel out the savings.
A diesel-powered car can cost up to \$5,455 more than its gasoline counterpart.
According to Vincentric, the Ford F-350 diesel saves $1,999 on fuel over five years, but higher insurance and repair costs mean that only \$1,141 of those savings go to the owner.
Yes, there are a few things you can do to improve your diesel fuel mileage, such as using cruise control, reducing idling, and maintaining a lower average speed.
Yes, there are several cards and programs that offer discounts on diesel fuel, such as the Multi Service Fuel Card, the TSD card, and the My Diesel Savings Program.
