Petrol vs Diesel
Even though petrol has been in use much longer than diesel, the need for vehicles with a diesel engine has become more popular in the South African market.
This is mostly due to diesel having a higher fuel efficiency compared to petrol. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both fuel types.
Here are some of the differences between each fuel type. We will also explain what happens in your car if you fill up with the wrong fuel.
Ever wondered what would happen if you put diesel fuel in your petrol car?
Well, it’s not as bad as some may think and a far less common mistake to make. As the diesel pump nozzle is bigger than the petrol filler, it wouldn’t really fit.
If you still manage to fill the fuel, your vehicle simply wouldn’t start. You can rectify this by draining the fuel and completing this process with a fuel system flush.
Once this is done, there should be no permanent damage to your engine. Filling petrol in a diesel engine, on the other hand, is more problematic.
Whilst diesel fuel acts as a lubricant, petrol increases friction between moving parts. Therefore, more damage can be done if you put petrol in your diesel engine. Depending on how much petrol was filled, you may need a new fuel pump or worse case, a new engine.
Even though diesel and petrol are both produced from crude oil, the process of refining them is what makes them different.
As crude oil contains many different types of hydrocarbons, these hydrocarbons need to be separated in order to produce an oil-based product, such as diesel or petrol.
Petrol engines do emit more CO2 than diesel engines. However, diesel engines aren’t necessarily better as they emit other pollutants and toxic particles in the air. In conclusion, neither types of fuel are better for the environment.
Which type of fuel would be best for you?
It is true that diesel vehicles have higher fuel efficiency and you will get more kilometres from a vehicle with diesel fuel than petrol.
The combustion in a diesel vehicle is also more ‘violent’ and therefore, would require a bigger engine. This is usually the reason diesel vehicles are more expensive than petrol. Although, with a bigger engine, you would get more power!
Overall, petrol vehicles may not be the most efficient but they are less expensive and more affordable to maintain.
Whilst diesel vehicles are known to be fuel-efficient and could save you an extra cost long term. They also tend to last longer than vehicles with a petrol engine.
When considering the fuel type and the type of car you should choose, it is important to note what you will be using it for. Generally, diesel-fuelled vehicles are great for long-distance driving, carrying heavy weight and driving on different terrains.
If you are looking for a more affordable car and would be doing more short trips, petrol cars may be a better option for you.
Carter does have a wide range of vehicles available in both petrol and diesel engines that you can view on our website at www.heycarter.co.za.
You can also contact us on 010 045 2682 (Johannesburg) or on 031 045 0500 (Durban). 😊
Carter, your car buying partner!