We’ve all seen the foreboding ads with the giant gas-guzzling monsters devouring entire forests tree by tree. We’ve also heard the reasons we should steer clear from diesel and turn to gas instead. However, the question we must ask ourselves as we enter this new generation and look to purchase our next truck is whether or not these ads have any clout.
Furthermore, we must recognize how diesel may be exactly the thing to prolong the life of our next ride, increase the fuel economy of our commutes, and actually help rather than hinder the forests, lakes, and beautiful mountain air of the Gem State we know and love.
Why Choose Diesel over Standard Gas?
Perhaps, you already own a diesel pickup truck and simply want to know more about why it was the right choice for your hometown, or maybe you’re weighing the odds before making a purchase. Either way, it’s important to know how and why diesel is superior.
With this in mind, let’s look at some of the countless ways diesel reigns supreme. For starters, diesel engines tend to last longer and work better than traditional gas engines. In fact, according to Capital Reman Exchange, “Diesel engines continuously run 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 miles before major overhaul. There are 3 major reasons why they last so long: Design, fuel, and application differences.”
Compared to the ideal gas engine which runs upwards of 250,000 miles, it is clear that the diesel engine is a better and longer-lasting option simply in mileage alone. However, this is far from the only reason to turn towards diesel trucks now and forever.
Another reason for choosing a diesel pickup truck is for the fuel economy. In fact, although many people out there may tell you that gas cars have better mileage, this is simply untrue.
According to Autotrader, “Some diesel vehicles can improve gas mileage by 20 percent or more, which is a huge boost.” On top of this, diesel vehicles typically do better on rugged terrain which means that whether you’re skiing to Bogus Basin, fishing up in Cascade, or even camping at Sawtooth, you can bet that your truck will be able to handle it. In fact, Idaho actually ranked #13 in the nation for fastest growth of diesel cars and SUVs and, according to Green Car Reports, “Western states, including Idaho, Montana, and Nevada have the highest percentage of diesel vehicles on their roads.”
If this isn’t enough evidence on its own, let’s take a look at our state and how diesel impacts it in general. According to the diesel technology forum of Idaho, “The manufacturing of U.S.-made, diesel technology supports 1.25 million jobs while wages in the diesel technology producing sector pay 60 percent higher than the national average.” In fact, in Idaho alone, over 2,330 clean diesel jobs exist. This means that buying a diesel truck actually helps create jobs in the Gem State and boosts our economy.
So, What About Those Environmental Ads?
With everything else discussed, the last topic that has turned thousands away from diesel trucks since the 1980s is the environmental aspect. Are diesel trucks truly the death of our state’s natural beauty? The answer is simply a big, fat no.
In fact, new studies by the U.S. Energy Information Administration suggest that diesel engines actually emit less CO2 emissions than gas vehicles due to the fact that “Diesel engines get better fuel economy than gasoline-powered engines, so the amount of CO2 produced for each mile traveled may be lower in a vehicle with a diesel engine.”
This isn’t the only place where these statistics have been shown. As How Stuff Works has also stated, “These facts combined to give diesel fuel a bad environmental name, even though it in fact emits lower amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide than does gasoline.”
Therefore, with fuel economy, job creation, longevity, environmental statistics, and our own state in mind, it’s no wonder more and more Idahoans are turning towards diesel pickup trucks rather than gas, and no question as to whether you should too.
Lastly, if you are in the market to buy a “new to you” diesel pickup truck, we highly recommend you get it checked out by an expert diesel technician before you sign on the dotted line. At Gem State Diesel, we’ve hired some of the best diesel technicians in Idaho because, frankly, we drive diesels too, and we only want the best to work on our trucks! So give us a holler for a pre-purchase inspection. You’ll be glad you did.