Is a diesel-powered car really better for my everyday commute?

When it comes to buying a new vehicle, many options in the Philippine automotive market are ready to heed that call. Some will come with all-electric drivetrains, hybrid power, while others will come with either a gasoline or diesel engine. Until recently, diesel engines were only common in SUVs and pickup trucks, but over time, these motors have also made their way into sedans. This has opened up more options to those who want a torquey and fuel-efficient vehicle. That being said, here are a couple of reasons why you should consider buying a diesel-powered vehicle as your daily driver and a few reasons why you shouldn’t. 

One area where diesel engines excel over their gasoline-powered counterparts is torque. Thanks to modern technology and the use of turbochargers, these motors will often produce more torque than their similarly equipped gasoline counterparts. However, gas-powered vehicles do produce more horsepower, which lets them hit higher speeds, regardless of gear ratio.

That being said, diesel power has evolved to produce higher horsepower figures, bringing them closer to their gasoline counterparts in this regard, thanks to longer gear ratios and more advanced transmission technology. With torque still being their strong point, these engines are ideal for bigger vehicles as they can easily bring them up to highway speeds even when under immense load. Even when attached to much smaller vehicles such as a subcompact sedan, these engines can prove to be powerhouses as they can rocket the car to triple-digit speeds very quickly without too much effort. 

With that in mind, if top speed is your priority, a diesel-powered vehicle might not be for you. However, if a high top speed isn’t a concern and you simply want a steady vehicle that accelerates quickly, a diesel could be the best choice for you.

The main reason people buy a diesel-powered vehicle is its improved fuel efficiency over gasoline cars. These vehicles can often average about 30 percent more in terms of fuel economy compared to a gas-powered car with a similar engine displacement. The same can even be said for diesel SUVs and pickup trucks that are about 20 percent more efficient. To add to this, diesel in the Philippines is often more affordable compared to gasoline by a few pesos; this can save you from more frequent visits to the pump and save you some money. 

Diesel-powered vehicles also excel when it comes to highways. So, if most of your time is spent traveling on a highway, then a diesel car could be for you. These kinds of vehicles will stay in the lower portion of the rev range, being able to maintain speed while consuming less fuel. When more power is needed, a quick press of the accelerator pedal will quickly spool up the turbo, and your car will quickly gain speed.

In some respects, diesel engines require less maintenance than their gasoline counterparts. This is because diesel engines do not use spark plugs or distributors, so ignition tuning is not necessary. However, they do require more frequent oil changes and attention to other maintenance-related consumables.

Certain diesel vehicles also need their water separators emptied regularly to ensure smooth engine operation. As a result, a diesel-powered vehicle may require more frequent visits to the service center for oil changes to keep it running efficiently and in an environmentally responsible manner. This is an important consideration if you plan to use a diesel vehicle for your daily commute.

In summary, diesel engines typically cost less in terms of consumables but require more intensive maintenance, and their components can be more expensive upfront compared to gasoline engines. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, need more frequent consumable replacements, such as spark plugs, and require more regular servicing, but their parts are generally more affordable.

Before you head to our car guide to look at all the diesel cars you can buy, there are a few things to take into account, this time regarding the frequency and way you drive.

Daily commute distance

Preferably, diesel engines should be driven over long distances for each drive. Diesel engines hate short trips as low revs and short-distance driving don’t allow the engine to reach operating temperature and can cause carbon buildup inside the engine, especially inside the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. So, if your daily commute is strictly within the city, which will keep your speed below 60 km/h most of the time, a gasoline engine is a better fit for your needs.

Maintenance intervals are not a suggestion

Maintenance intervals are not optional. Diesel engines rely on precise timing for fuel injection, emissions systems, and cooling, and skipping a service could compromise any of these systems. The turbocharger and engine are critical components that provide the power and efficiency diesel engines are known for, and old or degraded oil can lead to sludge buildup or oil starvation, potentially causing severe engine damage.

Don’t be shy with the accelerator

Like short-distance trips, diesel engines do not perform well under continuous low-rev driving. Whenever possible, allow your engine to operate at higher RPMs, reaching the mid-range where it runs most efficiently. If this isn’t feasible every day, a 30-minute shakedown run on the highway or expressway will help maintain the health of your diesel engine’s emission systems.

Older diesel engines were often noisy and rough, but modern designs and improved interior insulation have changed that. Today’s diesel engines are more refined while still delivering impressive power. They are less clattery and offer a level of smoothness comparable to what you would expect from a gasoline engine.

Despite these improvements, diesel engines remain noticeably louder than gasoline engines. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If the heavier idle of a diesel engine bothers you, these vehicles may not be the best fit. But if you don’t mind the sound and value the power they provide, a diesel-powered vehicle is definitely worth considering.

If you want a vehicle with high torque and good fuel efficiency, the answer is yes. However, it’s important to note that only a few diesel-powered vehicles are available in the Philippine market. These tend to be more expensive and are usually offered as SUVs or pickup trucks. While diesel-powered cars and crossovers do exist, choices remain limited. That said, they are still excellent options to consider for your daily commute. If you're ready to commit to a diesel-powered car, check out the AutoDeal Car Guide for a comprehensive list of available diesel vehicles in the country.