Is Diesel better than Petrol?

Diesel Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs at Gates Ford

With diesel vehicles accounting for a large proportion of all vehicles on the road today, there are quite often a lot of misunderstandings about what this fuel type means for vehicle owners not to mention the environment. Below are some common questions relating to diesel vehicles to help provide our customers with more information when making decisions around what fuel type they want.

Aren’t diesel cars bad for the environment?

No. Diesel engines actually emit far less CO2 than petrol engines. Diesel vehicles have helped to save almost three million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere since 2002. They also consume on average 15 to 20 percent less fuel than petrol engines, which saves you money in fuel expenses. If diesel cars were taken off the road the UK wouldn’t be able to meet its EU CO2 emissions targets.

Will I regret buying diesel rather than petrol?

Probably not, because you are helping the environment and saving money. You are not only contributing to reduced CO2 emissions and lower consumption of fossil fuels, but also preventing NOx and particulate matter from entering the atmosphere. Every Euro 5 and Euro 6-compliant diesel vehicle has been fitted with advanced technology such as diesel particulate filters which trap 99 percent of soot.

Should I choose a hybrid or electric car rather than a diesel?

This depends on your individual needs, driving style and lifestyle. Each powertrain has its own features and benefits, which you should research before making a final decision. A diesel may be preferred if you drive long distances frequently, such as for work. In this situation the low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of these engines will be advantageous. Alternatively, a plug-in electric car may be more suitable if you live in the city and rarely drive outside of it. Call upon the experts at Gates Ford for help deciding which is right for you.

What is Euro 6?

Euro 6 is the latest European Union emissions standard which sets limits on the amount of pollutants new vehicles can release. Increasingly tighter limits have been set since the standard was first introduced in 1992. Euro 6 relates to all new vehicles produced from September 1, 2015. The second stage of Euro 6 is set to be introduced in the near future to make further improvements. The aim overall is to improve air quality and limit the negative impact that vehicles have on the environment. Each new limit brings tighter restrictions and therefore cleaner vehicles. The Euro 6 requirements relate to all new cars registered on or after September 1, 2015. They are set to be reviewed in the near future to make further improvements. Below are the latest emissions limits:

Diesel NOx - 0.08g/km
Petrol NOx - 0.06g/km
Diesel PM - 0.0045g/km

How can I tell if a car meets Euro 6 standards?

It simple. You can visit the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) website and enter the vehicle’s make, model and date of registration.

Apparently car emissions frequently don’t match the official test figures in the real world. Is this the case for Euro 6 models too?

Vehicle manufacturers are legally required to complete official and standardised EU tests. They are witnessed by a government-approved third party, such as the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), to make sure all regulations are followed. The results enable motorists to compare the fuel economy of multiple vehicles.

The current testing process still includes procedures from the 1970s, when vehicles didn’t include the powertrain and transmission technologies available to modern cars. Today these have a big impact on real-world figures.

Euro 6 stipulations will reduce many kinds of emissions in the real world as the limits are set lower. The regulations also state that they must be deliverable both on the road and in controlled test conditions. The updated Euro 6 ‘package’ will feature real-world testing results which are currently being developed for 2017.

For more answers to your questions on diesel vehicles and their advantages, please call or enquire online with Gates Ford in Essex, Hertfordshire & Middlesex.

*Please note, details above are correct at time of publishing. When choosing your vehicle, customers should consider their own driving styles, needs and budgets before making a decision. The information above is intended to provide clarity but should not be reviewed in isolation. Make sure you speak with a member of the Gates Ford team before making any financial decisions.*