Why Do Large Trucks Only Run On Diesel?

You roll up to the gas station only to be confronted with three options: regular, premium…or diesel. In your regular sedan, putting diesel in your car won’t make it run better. Of course, a diesel engine is required for use of diesel and most regular automobiles don’t utilize that type of engine. Luckily, there are between 50 and 60 types of diesel engines available for the consumer if you opt for a diesel engine. But what’s the deal with large trucks running on diesel and not normal gas?

They’re in it for the long haul

Unlike your commuter car, semi trucks need to run without stopping for long stretches of time. Commercial diesel is simply more efficient over long periods of time than your regular gas options. Diesel is also low-maintenance, allowing semi trucks or eighteen wheelers to make fewer pit stops on the road at a commercial diesel supplier. As such, the engine also needs less maintenance. Once they get their commercial diesel supply, they’re in it for the long haul.

They’re heavy

It’s no surprise that semi trucks have to lug thousands of pounds of weight. As such, they need a strong engine that’s able to speed up and slow down at the drop of a hat. With a regular supply of gas, this simply isn’t possible With a commercial diesel supply, the engine is able to produce higher levels of torque than a regular engine. This enables the engine — and the truck — to have a better ratio when it comes to power and weight.

They traverse many terrains

Semi trucks traveling cross-country will encounter many different types of terrain, including mountains, cities, deserts, snow, and forms of inclement weather. As such, they need to adjust the amount of energy needed. Through the use of a diesel engine, the driver is able to better navigate the often difficult terrain.

They need something reliable

Diesel engines, simply put, are built to last. Unlike regular engines that require spark plugs for combustion, the diesel engine uses less heat, enabling the engine to last for longer. With fewer replacements, costs are able to go into fixing other features on the truck without worry the engine is going to give. Diesel fuel delivery may be more expensive outright, but in the end, semi truck drivers all over the globe benefit from this type of engine.