Diesel engines ramping up Auto Industry

Cars and trucks with diesel engines are popular in Europe, but haven’t really caught on in the U.S., partly because of our strict emissions standards. But, today, things are different.

Modern clean-burning diesel engines are providing an alternative to gasoline.

Known for longevity, power, and fuel economy, diesel engines provide many transportation needs. Maintaining a better fuel economy under a heavy workload for activities like plowing and towing, is just one of the primary advantages for going diesel.

“The gas engine actually has the same amount of torque, but it has to use more fuel to get to it,” said Jim Grundstrom, Owner and Dealer at Frei Chevrolet. “A diesel engine is inherently very, very strong, very, very torque–rich as far as power is concerned, and so, in high levels of effort, diesel far and away gets better economy under that consistent level.”

As with any car, regular maintenance is important. Diesel vehicles, in particular, have some mechanical differences to be aware of.

“Diesels don’t have spark plugs, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about, but they do have different equipment that’s important, too,” Fox Negaunee GM Store Technician Doug Young said. “The newer ones, especially the trucks, have a special fluid that’s in there to help clean up the exhaust.”

“Diesels love to be warm,” added Grundstrom. “In the winter up here, most of the diesel equipped trucks you can clearly identify because they have what’s called a ‘winter front’ on them. It’s like a blanket. It snaps onto the grill, and what it does is restrict the cold air from going up into the engine compartment.”

Diesel vehicles are also more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Many consumers are willing to shell out the extra cash due to their power and long lifespan.