Diesel Cars

Clean-diesel technology has made considerable improvements in the variety of diesel cars available to the average consumer. Although diesel cars can be more expensive initially due to the additional costs of manufacturing, the diesel cars are being more heavily sought after in Europe as they have considerably higher fuel efficiency than petrol cars. Sales of diesel cars in the UK are rising as drivers look for ways to reduce their own costs and to decrease fuel consumption as well as limiting their impact on the air and environment.

Today's diesel cars are far quieter and cleaner than the counterparts from a decade ago. Virtually all major vehicle manufacturers create some form of diesel vehicle giving you considerable options when it comes to selecting a diesel vehicle. You certainly wouldn't be alone in buying diesel - currently diesel purchases make up almost half of all new car sales in Europe. The diesel cars are up to 30% more fuel efficient than petrol cars thanks to higher compression ratios and higher combustion temperatures.

A product of petroleum, diesel, like petrol, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and is a developed from a fossil fuel, or a non-renewable energy source. This puts it behind some other "greener" alternative fuels, but there are less of these emissions with diesel than petrol thanks to improved fuel efficiency. However other emissions such as nitrous oxide are released from diesel fuel making it a wash in terms of protecting the environment and clean air.

Driving a Diesel Car

The popularity of the diesel cars does not stem from clean fuel, but rather from the amount of fuel used. Both petrol and diesel produce emissions and fall far from being considered "clean", but with a diesel car, the appeal is that you use far less fuel overall making the cost of the vehicle less in the long-run and reducing emissions over time as well.

An added benefit of diesel cars for many drivers is the longevity of the vehicle. Thanks to the relatively simple construction of the motor combined with its robust design. Diesel engines are tough and last longer with fewer maintenance issues than petrol engines. For the driver, this accounts to less maintenance costs, fewer fuel purchases and more years and miles of service from the vehicle over time. The biggest value of diesel cars is in their longevity and sturdiness.