We’ve all been to a gas station and noticed that green pump, wondering what it is and why it’s different. When you see it, you may register it as more environmentally friendly because it is green, but you wonder if that is true. This green pump is reserved for diesel fuel, which is said to improve vehicle efficiency over gasoline. As more manufacturers experiment with the concept and add more diesel vehicles to their fleet, many consumers are wondering if diesel is the better option for their next vehicle. 

How It Works 

Internal combustion engines are used in both gasoline and diesel engines. Air enters the engine and combines with fuel in the engine. The ignition process, however, differs between gas and diesel engines. In a gas engine, a spark plug ignites the fuel during the compression process. Diesel engines lack spark plugs and instead rely on extreme compression to generate the heat required for spontaneous ignition, also known as compression ignition. 

Is Diesel Your Next Best Choice? 

Diesels are typically the best option for customers who will be driving mostly on highways. Diesel engines are more efficient on the highway than gasoline engines. According to The Motley Fool, diesel engines were 29 percent more efficient on the highway and 24 percent more efficient in the city in a study comparing the fuel efficiency of diesel and gas engines. 

Top Manufacturers Step Up 

 Many truck manufacturers, including the most popular truck in America, the Ford F-150, have popular diesel fuel trucks to their lineup, as one would expect. Diesel versions of the Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 are also available. 

You are now aware of some of the distinctions between gasoline and diesel vehicles. Will you opt for diesel? 

Many recyclers across the country are now taking advantage of our diesel catalyst recycling services. Contact us here for more information on diesel catalytic converter recycling.