In the world of trucks, you have two options: a gas truck and a diesel truck. The gas truck option is the most popular, but diesel trucks offer distinct benefits for drivers who need extra horsepower, performance, and reliability.
However, most truck drivers wonder whether owning a diesel truck is more expensive than a gas truck. Let’s have a head-to-head comparative cost analysis between a diesel and gas truck. And if you need diesel maintenance in Monroe, LA and nearby areas, don’t hesitate to contact Consolidated Truck Parts & Service.
Purchase Cost: Gas Truck vs. Diesel Truck
When comparing the price of a gas truck to a diesel truck, the latter is the more expensive. A diesel truck will cost you more upfront than a gas-powered truck. Most diesel trucks will cost you up to $11,000 more than a comparable gas truck.
However, as with most things, you get what you pay for. When you choose a diesel truck, you’ll get a heavier truck with more torque and towing capacity for mastering heavier loads.
Diesel trucks also employ state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions and curb the spread of harmful environmental pollutants. Because gas vehicles are less concerned with reducing emissions, they tend to have a lower sticker price.
Fuel Cost: Gas Truck vs. Diesel Truck
The fuel cost between the two truck types can vary. On some days, diesel fuel will be more expensive; gasoline can be more expensive on others.
However, diesel fuel engines are much more efficient than gas engines. For instance:
- Diesel engines are up to 35% more efficient than gas engines.
- Diesel fuel packs up to 15% more energy than gas.
Owning a diesel truck will empower you to make the most of every mile of fuel. More so, if you drive over 30,000 miles a year, a diesel truck will make the most sense. At the same time, if you’re towing heavy loads, a diesel truck is your best option.
While both engines will experience a decrease in MPGs when towing, the drop in gas engines is much more dramatic; it’s not uncommon for gas trucks to achieve a single-digit MPG when towing. This can dramatically impact your wallet—even if gas fuel is lower per gallon than diesel.
Maintenance Cost: Gas Truck vs. Diesel Truck
In general, diesel maintenance is significantly more expensive. Let’s compare the head-to-head for the most basic type of truck maintenance—an oil change:
- The oil change for a gas truck will cost you $35.00 to $75.00, according to Kelley Blue Book.com.
- An oil change for a diesel truck can cost $70.00 to $170.00.
Oil changes aren’t the only cheaper service for gas trucks. Coolant flushes, fuel filters, and all things related to a DEF system on diesel trucks are significantly more expensive.
While maintenance services can be more expensive, diesel trucks require maintenance less frequently often than gas-powered trucks, tipping the advantage to diesel trucks.
Durability and Longevity: Gas Truck vs. Diesel Truck
Even though diesel trucks cost more and have higher maintenance costs, they tend to last longer.
With regular maintenance, gas trucks have a life expectancy of around 200,000—if you’re lucky. However, a diesel truck can easily double this expectancy or even topple 500,000 miles.
This means a diesel truck can deliver an exceptionally higher return on your investment.
Need the Best Diesel Truck Maintenance in Monroe, LA? Contact Consolidated Truck Parts & Service
When it comes to your diesel truck, having regular diesel maintenance is the key! And the experienced diesel and truck mechanics at Consolidated Truck Parts & Service offers every maintenance service your truck will need, including oil and oil filter changes, engine and radiator services, fuel filter replacement, and fuel system service.
Simply put, Consolidated Truck is your one-stop shop for all your diesel truck maintenance needs. So, contact us today at (318) 325-1948 or stop by to see us at 2604 Millhaven Road, Monroe, LA 71203.
