Semi trucks use diesel fuel, which has a higher energy density than gasoline, allowing semi trucks to carry more cargo with less fuel and making long-distance shipping more feasible than it would be with gas. But just how does that work? What makes diesel different from gas, and what does it mean for you? Read on to find out!
What To Know About Diesel Fuel
Diesel fuel is a liquid petroleum product which burns with greater efficiency than gasoline. When heated, the molecules in diesel vaporize more quickly and produce more power, increasing the thermal efficiency of the engine by 12% to 20%. Diesel engines are also usually heavier and have a higher power-to-weight ratio than gasoline engines do. Diesel fuels typically have a cetane number (a measure of ignition quality) in the range of 50 to 100, while gasoline usually has numbers between 45 and 55. Therefore, even though you may think that diesel’s heavy molecules would make it harder for them to ignite, they actually burn much better.
The two major types of diesel fuel include:
- Ultra low sulfur diesel – this type was introduced after the Clean Air Act was passed as a way to meet emissions standards. It also includes 2 other types:
- Biodiesel – this is produced from plant oils and then blended into conventional diesel
- Biofuel – this type of green alternative can be made from animal fats or organic waste products
Why Semi Trucks Use Diesel Fuel
Semi Trucks use diesel fuel because it’s efficient, powerful, and low-maintenance. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines can carry heavier loads for greater distances with fewer refueling stops. Diesel is also a little cheaper in comparison to gasoline. Diesel fuel needs to be refined so it will not solidify at cold temperatures and has much better lubricating properties. It also offers more torque for climbing hills. Diesel fuel takes up less space per gallon than gasoline does, which means that trucks can carry more gallons of diesel than they could of gasoline. Another reason why the truck industry has switched to diesel fuels is the regulation on engine emissions.
Better Fuel Efficiency Means Less Stops
Semi truck drivers tend to go through more gas than their passenger car counterparts. It’s not unheard of for a single truck to go through three times the amount of fuel as a single car over a one-thousand mile distance. Why is this the case? As it turns out, there are many contributing factors that come into play. Semi trucks are much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles on the market, which leads to greater consumption per mile traveled. Additionally, they may be carrying various types of goods throughout their journey in order to accommodate what customers need – this requires more time on the road in general and puts increased strain on the engine.
How Long Does A Diesel Engine Last?
A diesel engine can last up to 18,000 hours if it’s well maintained. However, if it’s not well maintained and doesn’t get the necessary attention from a technician, then the engine may be in for a short life span. A common cause for frequent replacement of a failed engine is due to worn down bearings that can’t be replaced. Replacement of bearings is expensive and takes up valuable time for any trucking company trying to remain competitive in the industry today. The amount of wear can vary from engine to engine depending on various factors such as age, condition of fluid, average mileage and how well the truck is driven and maintained.
Need Semi Engine Repair? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!
If you’re in need of semi truck engine repair or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.
