ALT-3 Diesel Pickup Trucks Pros and Cons
In the past, diesel trucks have made a bad impression. They are often thought of as loud, polluting, and foul-smelling. These negative aspects often leave a bad taste in the mouths of consumers. Fortunately, advances in technology will ditch the dirty images and entice a new generation of fans to embrace the powerful and seductive diesel truck.
PROS OF THE DIESEL TRUCK
Certain aspects of diesel trucks have always been admired. One such aspect is fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, if 33% of U.S. drivers switched to diesel vehicles, the country would reduce its oil consumption by about 1.5 million barrels a day. Here are other advantages to consider:
1. Diesel engines run more efficiently and make more power than gasoline engines.
Diesel trucks have higher compression ratios than gasoline vehicles. The higher the compression ratio, the more mechanical energy an engine can squeeze from its fuel/air mixture. The result is better fuel efficiency and prolonged engine life, which can save money in the long run.
2. Diesel trucks retain their value better than most other vehicles.
The diesel engine lasts longer than gasoline engines. With proper maintenance, diesel engines can last 250,000 miles or more.
3. Diesel trucks have a lot of power.
Diesel trucks are torque-heavy performers, which means the engine generates a lot of power even when it is not cycling fast. They can tow more efficiently and safely than gasoline vehicles.
ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY
Here are some of the advances that have been made to help eliminate the disadvantages of the diesel:
1. Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel fuel
Diesel trucks used to pollute the environment by emitting a large amount of sulfur and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere. Fortunately, in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that went into effect in late 2006, oil refineries are now producing what is called ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD).
By definition, this clean diesel is 98.5% cleaner than the previous sludge that coursed through fuel delivery systems, and thus produces 97% less sulfur. This breakthrough fuel has led the way for further advances. For example, vehicle manufacturers are starting to build exhaust scrubbing systems for engines that burn ULSD so that a multitude of pollutants are kept out of the air. The process even eliminates the bad odor of diesels.
2. Bio-diesel
Bio-diesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fats, including soybeans, canola oil, and even used cooking oil. It is sometimes mixed with conventional, petroleum-based diesel to cut down on emissions. It can be used with any diesel engine, however trucks do need to be outfitted with a conversion kit to properly utilize the cooking oil.
3. Advanced Engine Control Modules (ECM)
These regulate functions, from fuel injection to timing, more precisely than old mechanical control systems. This further minimizes emissions and maximizes fuel economy.
4. Turbochargers
In the past, diesels became sluggish at higher rpm. Now, turbochargers pump more air into the engines, helping to overcome this problem.
5. Improved engine isolation strategies
The incorporation of active mounts has quieted the knocking noises typically associated with diesel powered vehicles.
CONS OF THE DIESEL TRUCK
1. The fuel is expensive.
The cost of diesel is usually higher than gasoline, and low-sulfur diesel is even more expensive. The recent increase in diesel fuel prices in the U.S. (which is $1.36 more than a year ago) is partly caused by lower than usual inventories and higher demand.
According to the Energy Information Association (EIA), this inventory deficit can be attributed to the U.S. exporting distillate fuel to Latin American and Europe in January and February of 2008. Diesel fuel inventories are now at the bottom of a five year average.
2. The diesel engine is expensive to buy and expensive to maintain.
Diesel engines need to be built stronger than gasoline engines. As a result, they tend to be a lot heavier and more expensive than gasoline engines. They also require more oil than gasoline engines and their fuel filters are more expensive. It can be argued that diesel mechanics are harder to find, (and thus charge more for their specialization) but as diesels are becoming more popular, this is becoming less of a problem.
3. Diesel fuel is less readily available than gasoline.
Only about 45% of the nations 170,000 gas stations carry diesel fuel. Fortunately, the 75,600 stations that do carry it are spread out along the nations highways, so it is just a matter of knowing where to go.
4. Diesel trucks are noisy.
Diesel trucks are still noisier than gasoline engines, despite recent improvements.
5. Diesels produce harmful emissions.
The diesel engine does produce less harmful emissions than in the past, but overall levels released are still higher than gasoline engines.
The historical disadvantages to diesel trucks are not such a big problem now because of advances in technology. Consumers must take the pros and cons into consideration and decide for themselves whether or not the diesel truck can meet their needs.
Sources: popularmechanics.com, US News and World Report May 4th 2008, dieselforum.org,
