Diesel fuel vs. the environment: Is diesel cleaner?

With an increasing focus on sustainability within the community, many people are considering the impact their fuel consumption has on the environment and this can be a significant factor when choosing between a diesel or petrol engine. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at diesel fuel and the impact it has on the environment.

Diesel fuel and the environment

Unfortunately, diesel fuel has a reputation for being ‘dirty’ and many people assume it pollutes more than petrol. This comes from the early days of diesel fuel where it was true that diesel engines were loud and emitted large amounts of black smoke which would leave everything covered in soot. This is a reputation that diesel fuel has found difficult to shake. However, diesel fuel has a rather undeserved reputation for being unclean.

Diesel engines are well known for being more efficient that their petrol counterparts. This ability to achieve better mileage means less fuel needs to be used in the day to day running of diesel vehicles. Diesel fuel also produces minimal carbon monoxide which means fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.

Not only does diesel fuel give increased efficiency and reduced carbon monoxide emissions, the increasing popularity of diesel engines has meant that technological advances are producing even cleaner engines. New direct injection devices monitor fuel combustion via a computer for greater efficiency and additional devices such as CRT particulate filters and catalytic converters reduce soot, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. Continued research is also taking place to develop cleaner forms of diesel fuel such as ultra-low sulphur diesel.

Refining crude oil into diesel fuel is also cheaper and simpler compared to producing petrol fuel. This means that fewer emissions are produced in the production of diesel fuel itself.

If you and your business are concerned about the environmental impact of using diesel fuel for your vehicles and machinery, remember that there are positive steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint through carbon neutral schemes. These schemes mean that your business can offset the emissions you produce which means your business operations don’t impact on the environment.

Diesel servicing for your vehicles and machinery

To ensure your diesel engine is running cleanly and efficiently, it’s essential that you get regular servicing from a qualified diesel mechanic. Regular servicing means that issues can be detected early before they cause any major issues.

At Perth based Diesel West Mechanical Services, we provide mobile diesel engine servicing and repairs for your diesel vehicles and machinery. We provide services throughout the Perth metro area and also provide some regional services upon request. Our diesel mechanics are experts at fault diagnosis and repairs so you can be assured that your diesel equipment is running at its best. Don’t hesitate to speak to one of our experienced mechanics today.

For diesel engine servicing and repairs, contact Diesel West Mechanical Services today on 0427 501 378 or fill in our easy online form.