11 Must-know Difference between Diesel and Gasoline Engine Oil!

In the automotive world, choosing between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is often a major consideration for vehicle users. Each type of engine has its own characteristics that affect performance, efficiency, and overall operating costs. In this TransTRACK article, we will explore the fundamental differences between diesel engines and gasoline engines, and how they impact daily vehicle usage.

Difference between Diesel and Gasoline Engine Oil in Cars

Here are the differences between diesel and gasoline engine oil in cars based on various aspects:

Type of Fuel Used

Diesel engines use diesel fuel, which has a higher density and is more viscous than the gasoline used by gasoline engines. Diesel is more suitable for applications that require high torque at low engine speeds, such as trucks and heavy vehicles. On the other hand, gasoline is lighter and more volatile, ideal for engines that require high speed and quick acceleration, such as in passenger cars and sports utility vehicles.

Oil Usage

Diesel engines require thicker oil to lubricate components under high pressure conditions due to high compression. This causes the oil in diesel engines to contaminate more quickly and require more frequent changes than gasoline engines, which can use thinner oil with longer change intervals.

Engine Performance

Diesel engines typically have higher torque at low engine speeds, making them ideal for powering vehicles with heavy loads or for towing purposes. Meanwhile, gasoline engines tend to provide higher power at high engine speeds, suitable for situations where quick acceleration is required, such as when preceding or accelerating on the highway.

Engine Safety

The safety of diesel engines is higher in terms of fire risk because diesel fuel has a higher flash point and is less flammable than gasoline. Gasoline engines require extra attention to the risk of fire due to their flammability.

Fuel Requirement

Diesel engines are known to be more efficient in terms of fuel consumption as they have a higher thermal efficiency compared to gasoline engines. This makes them more suitable for long-term use or commercial applications that require optimal fuel efficiency.

Engine Maintenance

Diesel engines generally require more intensive maintenance as they work under high pressure conditions that can affect their engine components more quickly. On the other hand, gasoline engines usually require simpler maintenance and rarely require frequent special attention.

How the Engine Works

The way a diesel engine works is different from a gasoline engine in terms of the combustion process. Diesel engines use the principle of high compression where air is compressed first in the engine cylinder, then fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber and burns due to high pressure. Meanwhile, gasoline engines use a mixture of fuel and air that is compressed together, then a spark is produced by the spark plug to trigger the combustion process.

Types of Engines

In Indonesia, diesel engines are commonly used in commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses, as well as some SUVs and MPVs that require high carrying capacity. Gasoline engines are more commonly found in passenger vehicles such as sedans, hatchbacks, and city cars, which prioritize speed and comfort.

Vibration Aspect

Diesel engines tend to produce higher vibrations than gasoline engines due to higher compression pressure. However, technological developments have reduced the intensity of vibrations in modern diesel engines.

Price

In general, diesel engines are more expensive in terms of vehicle price and regular maintenance costs than gasoline engines. This is due to the stronger construction and more advanced features of diesel engines.

Eco-Friendly Factor

Diesel engines have higher NOx (oxides of nitrogen) and particulate matter emissions compared to gasoline engines. However, recent technologies such as the AdBlue system have helped reduce these negative impacts. Gasoline engines have higher CO2 emissions, but generally produce less particulate matter and NOx, making them more environmentally friendly in terms of local air quality.

Each of these differences affects performance, running costs, and the selection of the type of engine that suits the user’s needs and the environmental conditions in which it is used.

It is important to understand difference between a diesel and a gasoline engine oil in a car is highly influenced by your daily needs, in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. To maximize the use of your vehicle, it is not only important to choose the appropriate engine type, but also to have a well-planned maintenance system.

TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System is a solution that can help monitor and manage vehicle maintenance schedules efficiently. By integrating advanced technology in monitoring the condition of the engine and vehicle components, TransTRACK ensures that your vehicle remains in optimal condition. By doing so, you can not only extend engine life, but also reduce long-term maintenance costs.

By choosing a diesel or gasoline engine that suits your specific needs and implementing the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System, you can improve the operational efficiency of your vehicle while still maintaining optimal performance and reliability. Feel free to choose the best one for your needs and schedule regular maintenance to keep your vehicle investment in top condition.