Diesel Engines vs. Gas Engines: What’s the Difference?

Before you make a decision, you need to do the research and have a little background on each type of engine plus their pros and cons.

Both gasoline and diesel engines use internal combustion where air enters the engine and combines with fuel. In an effort to keep things simple, we won’t get too much more into the details. However, the ignition process is where this varies for these types of engines. During the compression process, a spark plug ignites the fuel in a gas engine. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs, but simply “use extreme compression to generate the heat required for spontaneous ignition, also known as compression ignition.” This would damage a gasoline engine.

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engines

Now, let’s break down the pros and cons of diesel engines!

Diesel Engine Pros:

• Super towing capabilities, enhanced torque and superior take offs
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Improved noise level and smoother performance compared to older diesel models
• More efficiency, decrease in carbon emissions compared to older models
• Engine has fewer components and no tune-ups are needed

Diesel Engine Cons:

• Inferior horsepower, slower speeds
• Fuel prices are more expensive and some gas stations may not have diesel fuel
• Noisier than gasoline-powered engines
• Emissions can emit harmful substances
• Maintenance and repairs can be costlier
• Not all automotive repair shops are experienced to perform diesel engine repair
• Difficulty starting in cold weather since they lack spark plugs

Diesel engines have come a long way and improvements are quite evident. However, some of the old diesel stereotypes still exist today – terrible emissions, dirty or noisy rides, and a “stinky experience” are just a few.

Expert Diesel Repair and Maintenance In Tempe, AZ

Are you going to be spending weekends camping in the woods, hauling a horse to shows and rodeos, or hauling ATVs to the sand dunes? Or, are you planning to explore America’s highways and become a frequent road tripper? If not, then gasoline-powered engines may be the best option for an easy daily commute. We welcome you to come in and talk with us about diesel engines at any time so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for YOU.

Here at Good Works Auto Repair, we have mechanics on staff who know and love diesel repairs and maintenance. If you do decide to purchase a diesel vehicle, you can count on us to handle your diesel maintenance and repairs. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!

The post Diesel Engines vs. Gas Engines: Which Is Right For You? appeared first on Good Works Auto Repair Tempe.

In 2022, a child died in Virginia after being run over by the vehicle she was seated in – unrestrained. When the door was opened by another passenger, the young child fell out of the vehicle. According to the news reports, the police said the driver “immediately got out of the vehicle while the SUV’s transmission was still in drive, causing it to roll over the child.” This is an unfortunate situation that could have clearly been prevented from the start.

The Evidence is Clear: Proper Child Restraints Can Save Lives

The bottom line is that consistent and correct use of proper child restraints in vehicles reduces the risk of injury and death. This includes car seats, booster seats and so on!

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, almost 50% of children are put at risk from negligence just on this topic alone. It has been estimated that 95% of families install their newborn’s seat incorrectly and up to 75% face their baby’s car seat in the incorrect direction. Their report showed various factors that increase the chance of death of a child in a car accident based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report looked at 18,116 children under the age of 15 that were involved in fatal car crashes from 2010 – 2014. Of those 18,116 children, around 16% of them died in a car crash. 43% of those children who died were improperly restrained or not retained at all.

Arizona Car Accident Trends Need to Change

Arizona also saw a 1% increase in fatal crashes in 2018 when compared to 2017. Furthermore, in 2018 alone, 3,134 children under the age of 14 had serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes. Of those, 34 ended in death and the crashes cost the state around $19 billion, nothing close to what those lives were worth saving.

We urge all parents to take the time to install car seats correctly and to use proper child restraints in vehicles – they CAN save lives!

• Start by knowing the laws and regulations – what seat your child should be using now as well as when to change to a different seat. This is so important!
• Have a local law enforcement officer or a certified car seat installer check to see if you are using the proper restraints and if they’re installed correctly.
• Recycle old or expired car seats or those that have been in accidents.

We hope this reminder helps in some small (or big) way. At Good Works Auto Repair, our automotive experts are always here to answer any of your vehicle related questions and can help guide you in the right direction. Our goal is to help keep your vehicle safe and running properly so you can focus on these types of things for your family!

A properly maintained vehicle – even one with high mileage – can end up saving you thousands and thousands of dollars after you’ve paid off the loan. Your vehicle CAN last a long time, but only if you have it routinely serviced and inspected by an experienced auto repair shop.  That means one that has the means and knowledge to maintain vehicles with a lot of miles and a lot of stories to tell!

Where should you turn for advice – owner’s manual or dealership?

You can look up just about anything on the internet these days. But, your vehicle also comes with an owner’s manual which will give you mileage intervals and specific services so you’ll know what’s next for your preventative maintenance appointments.

Dealerships will also offer advice and have you come in for services at specific intervals. You probably don’t want to spend a ton of extra money on routine maintenance you don’t need, but you also want to do enough to maintain your vehicle and prevent major car repairs, right? So whose advice do you follow – the dealership or the owner’s manual?

The owner’s manual was made for your specific brand of vehicle!

Yes – that’s right. People with high mileage vehicles and automotive experts will agree that the owner’s manual was made by the folks who made your vehicle. A dealership sells vehicles, but they may not be experts in the service intervals for your make or model.

The owner’s manual gives you an A-to-Z look at the details about your car, such as when to get the oil changed and when to get the tires rotated. Included in each manual are suggestions about maintenance and troubleshooting, such as what the correct tire pressure is.

Trusted auto repair shops are also important for your vehicle’s health.

Your trusted mechanics here at Good Works Auto Repair know what that manual says and we will also recommend just what your vehicle needs based on our expertise and experience. We will always recommend that you do the following things to get the most miles out of your vehicle and your investment in it:

1. Stick to the service interval schedule. During an inspection, a qualified technician will check your tires, fluid levels, belts, lights, windshield wipers, battery, hoses, and more. As the driver or the owner, you can also help avoid major issues. If you notice strange smells and sounds coming from your car even when your vehicle isn’t due for routine maintenance, call us for an appointment right away!
2. Get the oil changed when you’re supposed to. Regularly scheduled oil changes are important for maintaining a healthy engine. Oil changes keep an engine’s parts well-coated and protected against potentially damaging heat and friction. When your vehicle has high mileage, regular oil changes are especially important!
3. Check the tire pressure. Routine checks and monitoring by both you and a repair shop can help avoid tire issues. Not only do properly inflated tires help them to last longer, your car will drive better, you’ll get better fuel economy and you’ll be safer!
4. Keep your vehicle clean. Sure, it’ll make it look nicer inside and out, but a clean vehicle is actually a healthier vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, washing and waxing your car regularly protects the paint and fights rust, while vacuuming dirt and sand out of carpets and seats can minimize tears and holes.

Get expert auto repairs and maintenance in Tempe, AZ

Come on in for your next appointment and let’s see what your vehicle needs. We’re happy to help you regularly maintain your vehicle and look forward to adding your vehicle to our high mileage family! Simply schedule an appointment with us today!