Are you looking into buying a new car? Well, it’s important to know that all cars need regular maintenance, no matter what brand or type they are. But did you know that there are some differences in how you maintain a car depending on whether it runs on gasoline or diesel? Let’s take a simple look at some of the main ways they differ in terms of upkeep.
First, let’s peek under the hood. Gasoline cars use spark plugs to start the engine by igniting a mix of fuel and air. Diesel cars, on the other hand, don’t use spark plugs. They use a high level of compression to ignite the fuel. This means diesel engines need glow plugs to help start up when it’s cold outside.
Both types of plugs need regular checks and cleaning to keep the engine running smoothly. But diesel glow plugs usually last longer than spark plugs, about 100,000 miles compared to varying lifespans for spark plugs.
Diesel engines tend to last longer overall because they’re built tough and have fewer parts than gasoline engines. They can often go up to 200,000 miles before needing major repairs, which is twice as long as many gasoline engines. This can save money in the long run, even though diesel cars can be more expensive to buy upfront.
Another difference is in the cooling system. Both types of engines need to stay cool to work properly, but diesel engines have different needs. They require special coolants and more frequent flushing to prevent buildup. However, they typically have larger cooling capacities compared to gasoline engines.
These are just a few ways that maintaining a diesel car is different from maintaining a gasoline car. If you want to learn more, check out the additional information provided within the resource highlighted alongside this post.
Differences In Maintenance: Gasoline Vs. Diesel Vehicles, was provided by Powerhouse Diesel