The Key Differences Between Gasoline and Diesel Car Engines

The automotive landscape is changing rapidly and in so many different ways. Electrified vehicles are the talk of the town and several auto manufacturers (including Toyota) are currently trying to patent self-driving technology. While electrification is an excellent environmentally friendly option when it comes to your mode of transportation, many of us still use petrol for power. 

When it comes to using gasoline as a fuel source for your Clermont Toyota car, some of you may have considered switching to a diesel engine at one point or another. If you're curious about this different car engine type and how it varies from your gasoline engine, check out our guide right here!

First Thing's First: How Do Engines Work?

If you drive one of the many internal combustion engine based cars on the road then you likely run on gasoline or some type of petrol. This type of fuel source has been employed in cars for decades and has evolved alongside the vehicles they power. There are several types of gasoline available for drivers to use in their car but the main 2 are gasoline and diesel. Before we dive into the differences between these fuel types and how engines work let's check out how engines actually work!

Clermont car engines work by using many moving components like belts, hoses, and pistons to move fluids and fuel throughout the compartment. This fuel is then ignited to create a spark that propels your engine and gives it forward motion. Now, how do regular gasoline and diesel engines differ?  

• Gasoline engines spark their fuel by using spark plugs for ignition. This happens after the air in the engine is compressed. A diesel engine doesn't use spark plugs and opts for extreme compression to generate a heat amount high enough to cause a spark to occur. 
• Because of the higher compression and lack of certain parts diesel car engines care somewhat more efficient at burning fuel than their internal combustion counterparts. 
• Diesel engines can also access higher amounts of power with less capacity and size as opposed to gasoline engines. A good example of this is the Toyota Mega Cruiser. While an imitation model of the Humvee, the Mega Cruiser uses a diesel inline 4 engine compared to a larger Clermont car engine in the Humvee. The Mega Cruiser is able to generate more horsepower and torque because of its fuel use and way the engine operates. 
• The price of diesel fuel can occassionally be more expensive than regular gasoline but that can always change. There's also only one type of diesel fuel available at the pump for drivers as opposed to 3 or 4 when it comes to gasoline. 
• Because there are less parts in a diesel engine block that often means more durability and less repair long term. 
• Diesel engines were initially received as loud and smog producers but the technology has evolved to mitigate those issues significantly. 
• Gasoline is by far more accessible than diesel fuel and often cheaper. However, if you plan on driving your Clermont Toyota on the highway most often then using a diesel car engine may repay your fuel investment costs over time better than gasoline. 

Do you still have questions about different car engines? Ask us at Toyota of Clermont! Chat with us online or give us a call at (352) 404-7000.