Car Care Tips

Diesel engines have been used extensively in Europe and Asia for many years. They haven't been as common in the Alberta area because of the high sulfur content in our diesel fuel. But the government is now mandating lower sulfur content and, as a result, we are going to see more Alberta diesel-fueled vehicles on the road, especially in passenger cars and SUV's.

Diesels are popular in Calgary because they get better fuel economy than gas-powered engines. They also last longer. Modern diesel engines are quiet and powerful. And if you associate diesel engines with black smoke, then you're not up with the times. That smoke is a thing of the past.

Diesels don't produce any more pollutants than gasoline engines. The pollution standards for diesel-powered vehicles are as strict in Calgary as for other vehicles.

Also, diesel engines can run on bio-diesel fuels as well as fossil fuels. Diesel fuel can be produced from vegetable oil or from cellulosic waste like wood chips and sawdust. In Calgary, we may soon see bio-diesel produced from algae. These fuel sources will lessen Alberta drivers dependence on fossil fuels and may even become truly renewable and sustainable.

Diesel-powered vehicles also perform as well as other passenger vehicles. Most people don't notice a difference in driving one or the other. If you haul heavy loads or tow a trailer around Calgary, however, the diesel is a definite improvement.

So, you may be asking, if diesels are so great, why don't all Alberta people drive them? Surely there are disadvantages you haven't told me about. That's true. Diesel engines are heavier than gas engines, and they cost more in Calgary. The better fuel economy of the diesel engine is partially offset by the higher purchase price.

Because of higher fuel prices, diesel engines used to be more expensive to drive in Alberta. But now, with higher volatility in the prices of both gasoline and diesel fuel in Calgary, that cost difference is less definitive. Whether a diesel or gas engine is more expensive for Calgary drivers depends now on the current price of fuel and how far you drive.

Consider also that diesel-powered vehicles have a high resale value in the Alberta area, and the costs of owning and operating a diesel vs. a gas-powered vehicle in Calgary becomes a real toss-up.

Preventive auto maintenance for diesel vehicles has also become similar to that of gas-fueled vehicles in recent years. The major difference is that diesels require cleaner fuel, air and oil, so their filters are more expensive than those for gasoline engines. The engine air filter must be changed more frequently as well.

The costs for car care and repairs in Alberta are similar. You may be thinking, wait:  You just told me that filters are more and have to be changed more regularly. True, but that is offset by the fact that diesel engines have a much longer lifetime than gasoline engines. So if you are the type of owner who prefers to hang on to a vehicle for a long time, you will be more than rewarded with a diesel engine.

So if you have been looking for Alberta auto advice on whether to switch to a diesel vehicle or stay with a gas-powered one, then we hope this helps. The answer as to which type of vehicle is better is that it depends on the driver and their driving habits. Now that you know the facts, you can make an informed choice based on your own priorities and needs.

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• Lube Town Macleod - 4007 Macleod Tr SW Calgary, Alberta 403-457-3500
• Lube Town Parkdale - 10 Parkdale Cres NW Calgary, Alberta 403-283-3393
• Lube Town Okotoks - 181 North Railway St Okotoks, Alberta 403-995-9565
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