There are two main types of vehicle engines – petrol and diesel, and both have a number of pros and cons to consider. There are also electric vehicles and hybrid models now on the market, but unless you are buying a brand new car this probably isn’t an option. In addition to environmental impacts and initial capital cost, drivers should also consider the maintenance costs associated with both types of engine.
When working out the overall expense of a vehicle, it’s worth noting that diesel engines cost a little more but tend to last longer. In terms of maintenance and servicing, here are some factors to consider before deciding on a diesel or petrol car.
Maintenance and repairs
The cost of maintenance and repairs always depends on the make and model of a car, and how many miles the car is being driven. Diesel engines are better suited to driving longer distances and heavier loads. Nevertheless, in general petrol engines are much cheaper to maintain and repair than their diesel counterparts.
Individual repairs cost less on petrol cars, but the engine may experience more problems over time. This means that if you plan on owning the car for a long time, it may be more beneficial to pick a diesel vehicle. A trip to the local garage may cost a little more, but you won’t be needing a mechanic as often.
Servicing
All cars should be serviced regularly as recommended by the manufacturer. If you keep up with the service schedule, the engine will be well maintained and you’ll encounter fewer problems. The cost of a service depends on where you choose to have the vehicle serviced – going directly to the manufacturer tends to cost more. At Windmill Garage, we charge the same price for a service regardless of whether the engine runs on petrol or diesel. It is the size of the vehicle which determines the price bracket. You’ll find that diesel cars don’t have to be serviced as often as petrol vehicles – so you could save some maintenance costs here.
There’s no right answer when it comes to choosing a petrol or diesel vehicle. In terms of maintenance, a diesel car won’t work out any cheaper in the short term, but if you’re planning on keeping the car for a long time then it may be more cost effective to drive a diesel engine.
Whatever type of engine you own, vehicle maintenance is the key to keeping running costs and repair costs to a minimum.