Diesel vs Gas Semi Trucks

When you decide to get a semi truck, your first major decision is whether you want a diesel model or a gas one. Both fuel types offer their unique benefits and the right one for you depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget. We’ve created the following diesel versus gas semi truck guide to help you determine your ideal match. When you are ready to explore semi trucks for sale, head over to White’s International Trucks. Our dealership proudly serves those throughout North Carolina.

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1. The Initial Cost

One key consideration to make is how much your company can spend upfront. Diesel semi trucks can cost around $7,000 to $10,000 more than gas models. Much of this difference is caused by the exhaust after-treatment technologies that help ensure diesel trucks fit the EPA regulations standard. If your company has a lot of money to invest in a semi truck, the initial cost won’t be as large of a factor. But if your company is limited on funds, you may need to stick with a gas model.

2. The Operation Costs

Next, think about how much it will cost to use the semi truck. You will be able to get more miles per gallon on diesel, but diesel is usually more costly. For a reliable comparison of the operation costs, consider how you will be using the semi truck. Gas models offer a better return in short distances, while diesel models are better for heavy loads over long distances.

3. The Fuel Economy

You will also want to consider the fuel economy. Historically, diesel semi trucks were able to offer better fuel economy, but innovations of turbocharging, direct injection, and multi-cylinder controls helped shorten that gap. The main difference now occurs when the semi truck is pulling a trailer. If you are adding a trailer, a gas model will need to work much harder and will burn more fuel to get the same task done.

4. The Longevity

Think about how long you hope the semi truck will last. Diesel engines will be more durable, thanks to the high-compression ratios and high cylinder pressure. The exhaust system will also last longer because diesel is less corrosive than gas. Of course, to enjoy these longevity benefits you will need to keep up with maintenance. If you overload your semi-truck, it will wear down faster. If you forget to maintain it at regular intervals, it will break down faster. You will need to proactively maintain your rig in order to enjoy a longer lifespan

5. Maintenance Costs

Finally, think about your budget for the upkeep and maintenance of your semi truck. Diesel engines contain more components, which make them more expensive to get serviced. Parts are also more costly to replace since the parts are more complex. Some estimates say that diesel semi trucks have about 2.5 to 4.5 downtime days a year due to the unavailability of parts or technicians. If your business has a larger budget for maintenance and repairs, this will not be as big of an issue. But if your company is limited on how much it can spend on maintenance, then a gas semi truck might be a better fit. We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions or want assistance in finding the perfect vehicle, visit White’s International Trucks. We invite all of everyone from North Carolina to visit today. We offer semi trucks for sale and our expert staff can assist you in getting the right match for your company’s needs!