Is Diesel Fuel Better For The Environment

For years, diesel has a bad reputation in the automobile industry. When the word ‘diesel’ is mentioned, most people envision black clouds of soot settling nearby. Environmental regulators have debated this issue before and are trying to look at the impact of diesel exhaust emissions on the environment. In the past, diesel was considered better for the environment because it emitted less carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide than gasoline.

With most people concerned about environmentally-friendly forms of fuel options, it’s vital to know whether diesel is a health hazard or not. Though most vehicle companies are trying to develop electric cars that emit less or no pollution to the environment, it may take longer to have them in all countries.

This article highlights some reasons why diesel is safe for the environment.

1. It Has Fewer Emissions

All fuel types – gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel-are extracted from crude oil found under the earth’s surface. The refining process separates these gases into what they are. The advantages of using diesel are numerous. Unlike the other fuels, it emits a few carbon dioxides and monoxide in the air. With lower quantities of these gases in the air, you’re guaranteed to breathe cleaner and fresh air.

Though most people don’t love using it because it emits higher quantities of nitrogen components during combustion that results in acidic rainfall and smog, oil manufacturers are working to improve diesel purity and reduce these byproducts. One way they’ve done this is by inventing Blue Def.

2. It’s Less Volatile

Diesel may be your option if you’re a green-minded motorist because it lacks additives. Though most people may still buy additives like lubricity and gelling prevention and include them in their fuel, it’s not recommended. As compared to other forms of fuel, diesel is less dangerous to breathe especially, when working in confined spaces. Its low volatility also makes it difficult for it to catch fire. There’s, therefore, no need to worry about smoking as you work using diesel machines.

3. It Supports EGR

Though even gasoline engines use EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, 99% of diesel car manufacturers have them installed in vehicles. This system helps to lower the engine’s operating temperature, increase mileage, and decrease CO2 emission. The recirculation system operates by sending exhaust fumes to the engine for a second time instead of releasing them into the air. Using this system ensures that only 50% of the toxins are released into the environment.

4. It Has A Cleaner Option

Unlike other forms of fuel, diesel has a sustainable clean option known as biodiesel. Biodiesel is generated from chemically modified vegetable or fat oil rather than petroleum. The advantage of using this diesel engine is that you don’t have to modify your engine before using it. Also, you can use it interchangeably with regular diesel fuel.

The Bottom-line

Protecting the environment is a serious matter that everyone needs to consider. Governments have put up many measures ranging from recycling wastes and reducing water consumption to minimizing carbon emissions. As good citizens of our countries, we need to be accountable for everything we do regarding safeguarding the environment. Diesel engine manufacturers are taking massive steps by providing us with eco-friendly options to choose from.

John R. Wright
Social media ninja. Freelance web trailblazer. Extreme problem solver. Music fanatic. Spent several months marketing pubic lice in the financial sector. Spent 2002-2008 supervising the production of ice cream in Africa. Had some great experience developing robotic shrimp in the aftermarket. Spent several years getting my feet wet with puppets in Miami, FL. Was quite successful at supervising the production of corncob pipes worldwide. What gets me going now is working with electric trains in Mexico.