Better Fuel Economy
Diesel fuelled cars function with greater efficiency than
petrol fuelled cars. Their diesel engines have higher compression
ratios and can generate more power from less fuel. In addition,
diesel actually contains more energy per litre than petrol.
Modern advances in high pressure injection systems further
enhance fuel economy by ensuring fuel is burnt efficiently
without waste. Where turbochargers are fitted, more air
is forced into the engine, again improving fuel economy
but also increasing power.
Cleaner Emissions
Diesel engines burn fuel in an excess of air, combined
with high pressure direct injection, they are very effective
at reducing greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Modern technology helps to reduce the amount of fuel required
through efficient ignition, and special particulate filters stop
sooty waste from polluting the environment.
Cheaper Road Tax
Diesel engines today are cleaner than ever, producing
less CO2. The government reviewed Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
rates on new and used cars registered after 1st March 2001.
Road tax is now based on CO2 emissions not engine capacity,
so cleaner modern diesel cars attract a lower tax band.
Easier to Maintain
Diesel engines function differently from petrol engines.
They do not have complicated electronic fuel ignition systems.
This eliminates the potential for failure, and improves
reliability, reducing associated repair costs. Routine servicing
is also less complicated. Often the actual interval between
services can increase for diesel cars but the requirements
are reduced. For example diesel engines do not have spark
plugs, so there are no associated service costs or replacements
needed.
More Pulling Power
Many of us are obsessed with horse power, bhp. This in
itself is a measure of the rate at which a car can apply
its power. Torque however refers to the strength of an engine
and its ability to accelerate or pull. Diesel engines typically
have significantly more torque than similarly sized petrol
engines. Diesel cars have an excellent ability to overtake
safely, and offer great low to mid range power.
Reduced Fire Risk
Diesel is less flammable than petrol. Spark plugs do not
ignite the fuel in a diesel engine, instead air is squashed
or compressed to a very high pressure then diesel is injected
which explodes on contact with hot compressed air.