The invention of diesel engines can be traced back to the industrial revolution. An engineer who invented the refrigerator came up with the diesel-powered engine. To date, technology has gained popularity, especially in the motor industry. Big or heavy-duty trucks rely on compression to tow and haul heavy cargo, and most use diesel engines.
Despite the popularity of diesel engines in the automotive industry, many people need to understand why big trucks use diesel engines. Diesel and petrol are both fossil fuels that are hydrocarbons. But what is the difference? One is denser than the other.
Diesel is denser than petrol. To know more about why big trucks are diesel-powered. Keep reading this guide.
Diesel Engines Have a Higher Life Expectancy
Big trucks carry heavy loads and travel for longer distances. Therefore, they require high maintenance. Diesel engines are preferred because they do not require regular maintenance like gasoline-powered engines. You only need to stick to the service maintenance. Since diesel-powered engines emit less heat than gasoline-powered engines, this causes the metals in the engines not to wear out faster, leading to a longer lifespan.
Diesel Engines Are More Efficient
Big trucks need a quicker ignition achieved by higher temperatures. In the case of a diesel-powered engine, its size does not determine its efficiency. Even though the diesel engine is small, it still can provide a more significant efficiency. In big trucks, slow-combustion diesel is more efficient and can burn at a moderate temperature producing the needed efficient power to run a loaded truck.
Diesel Engines Are Cleaner
As opposed to decades ago, when diesel fuel was seen to be a significant pollutant of the environment, technology has now improved the consumers’ demand by introducing cleaner fuel. Initially, diesel fuel had higher levels of sulfur, and the emission of sooty fumes was common in diesel trucks. Today diesel fuel has a lesser sulfur concentration and minimal soot. It has helped big trucks powered by diesel engines to minimize and prevent pollution.
Diesel Engines Achieve a Higher Torque
Big trucks require a greater force to turn the engine, even at slower speeds. However, this is advantageous for a diesel-powered engine since it can achieve a higher torque at a low speed. The combustion of diesel fuel is slower than that of petrol. Diesel being heavy and burns at a lower rate makes diesel-powered trucks economical in fuel consumption, but it produces massive energy necessary for towing heavy loads.
Diesel Engines Give The Best Compression Ratio
The vibration and compression levels are ideal when fitting engines in cars. However, the invention of advanced engines has lowered the harshness, vibration, and noise in trucks. In trucks, the vibrations are evenly distributed due to their bulkiness and huge nature. Their higher compression ratio helps in self-ignition without spark plugs.
Conclusion
It is best to use diesel-powered engines in big trucks since they are more reliable and durable than gasoline. Still, failure to keep up with regular maintenance leads to a mechanical breakdown, which is very costly. The diesel mechanics are too expensive.
However, the advantages outshine the disadvantages. Thus, making diesel-powered engines ideal for heavy trucks.