What is diesel used for?

According to Statistics Canada, net sales of refined products, including diesel fuel, reached approximately 18.3 billion litres in 2023. From heavy equipment and transportation fleets to agriculture and backup generators, diesel engines are the foundation of numerous modern industries and economic sectors. Known for their durability, energy efficiency, and high torque production, diesel-powered engines offer long-lasting performance. A world without diesel fuel would lead to the disruption of agricultural applications, construction, and more, impacting supply chains worldwide.

Diesel fuel engines date back to 1892 when German engineer Rudolf Diesel developed and patented the first-ever compression-ignition engine, revolutionizing the industrial world as we know it. Unlike conventional gasoline engines, diesel fuel ignites on compressed air, rather than spark ignition, which is precisely why Diesel's invention made such an impact back then, and why it was widely adopted in the 20th century. To learn more about diesel fuel and engines, stick around for more info.

What is diesel fuel?

Diesel fuel is refined from crude oil at petroleum refineries through a process known as distillation. The process involved heating oil to a high temperature to separate the crude oil. Once the diesel is extracted from the crude oil, it undergoes another refinement process to ensure that impurities are removed and that the final product meets emissions requirements.

What is a diesel engine?

Although both diesel engines and gasoline engines use internal combustion engines, the ignition process differs between them. When the engine’s cylinders compress the mixture of air and fuel, a spark plug is used to ignite the fuel in a gas engine. However, diesel engines do not have spark plugs.

Instead, they use extreme compression to generate enough heat for spontaneous ignition. Therefore, diesel engines have what is known as compression ignition. This process is unique to diesel engines and, if used in a gas engine, would damage the internal components.

Diesel fuel in non-automotive sectors

As we mentioned, diesel fuel is used not only in vehicles but in numerous other Canadian sectors, including:

Agriculture

According to Engine Tech Forum, approximately 75% of all farm equipment in Canada, from irrigation pumps to tractors and combines, is powered by diesel fuel. These diesel engines are crucial in large-scale farming operations where high fuel consumption is required while remaining fuel-efficient.

Think about the number of plants that are planted and harvested each year that rely on diesel engines to get the work done, so we can keep food on our tables. Beyond this, diesel-powered engines also account for approximately 20% of all water used for farming irrigation, which is essential to ensuring consistent quality and abundance in crop yields.

Construction equipment and heavy machinery

Whether it be diesel-powered generators, cranes, bulldozers, or other types of construction equipment, diesel fuel is used to ensure heavy machinery is able to perform well in tough environments where the terrain is often a challenge for workers.

At the same time, the Government of Canada also states that forestry, mining, and other industrial facilities rely on off-road diesel applications. From diesel vehicles, heavy equipment, and diesel engine generators, diesel fuels offer consistent, high-energy output for tough jobs, while meeting fuel efficiency standards to protect the environment.

Marine and delivery

Diesel engines power fishing boats, ferries, and cargo ships that move cargo across Canadian waterways and international routes. Given their higher energy density and fuel efficiency compared to gasoline, diesel engines work to support both commercial delivery trucks and marine operations.

Power generation

Diesel fuel also plays a vital role in backup power generation, especially in remote areas where connections to municipal power grids are absent, limited, or unreliable. For example, industries like mining and telecommunications utilize diesel engine generators to maintain power during power outages. At the same time, emergency services also utilize diesel generators to ensure life-saving services and military vehicles remain operational should something occur, like a hurricane or earthquake.

Diesel fuel engines vs gasoline engines and other fuel alternatives

When compared to other energy sources like gasoline, electricity, and hybrid technologies, diesel fuel has several advantages. For starters, diesel engines are more affordable for industries that use powerful equipment that operates for long periods, given that modern diesel engines provide 20 to 30% better fuel economy compared to natural gas.

Additionally, because diesel fuel has a higher energy density, diesel vehicles and equipment require less refuelling between uses, which not only saves money but also requires less maintenance. In terms of durability, diesel fuel delivers more energy and high-performance levels compared to electricity and hybrid technologies, which is why it is favoured in industrial settings.

Although electric vehicles are becoming more popular among Canadian commuters, an electric battery can only travel a certain distance before needing to be recharged, making it unrealistic for those who need to travel long distances. That being said, a downside to diesel fuel and the use of diesel engines and diesel generators is that they contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Government of Canada, off-road diesel engines produced as much nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound pollution as almost 480,000 heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses combined as of 2000. To further reduce emissions, Canada adopted Tier 4 regulations in 2011 after regulating off-road diesel engine emissions. However, the environmental effects of diesel fuel are still a cause for concern for many Canadian environmentalists and climate activists.

A more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel fuel is biodiesel, which is produced from renewable resources like vegetable oil and animal fats, and it can provide more energy . It can be used in diesel generators and other engines with minimal modifications, which reduces carbon emissions and lowers the dependence on fossil fuels. Luckily, there are efforts in Canada that aim to use both diesel fuel and biodiesel to remain environmentally conscious without reducing efficiency levels.

The future of diesel fuel

Diesel fuel remains an essential part of sectors that operate in remote regions and those that require heavy machinery, where alternatives aren't available.

However, as the Canadian government continues to implement strict environmental regulations, vehicle manufacturers are being pushed into developing cleaner diesel fuel engines for industrial and commercial use. Other innovations in diesel fuel technology include advanced fuel injection systems and hybrid diesel-electric systems to lower emissions while getting the best of both worlds.

As we mentioned, biodiesel fuel is a great alternative to traditional diesel. However, improved biodiesel formulations are still needed to make this alternative viable. Additionally, more research into synthetic fuels needs to be conducted.

The advantages of diesel engines

There are some advantages to buying a car with a diesel engine, including:

Diesel engines are more reliable

First, diesel engines are typically considered to be more reliable than gas engines. They are more durable, and what this means is that you will not have to worry about constant repairs or problems if you drive a diesel car. The unique design of diesel engines makes them less likely to suffer electrical issues.

As such, the recommended maintenance schedule for cars with diesel engines is usually much longer than for cars with gas engines. So, if you’re looking for the most reliable truck or car, consider asking a car dealership about one with a diesel engine.

Diesel cars are more fuel-efficient

As we mentioned earlier, a second perk of going diesel is that these types of engines are far more fuel-efficient. Because diesel engines use higher compression than gas engines, they do not burn through fuel as quickly. Plus, many diesel engines come with turbochargers, which improve fuel economy even more.

Diesel engines may be safer

One final benefit of diesel engines is that they may be safer than gasoline engines. Why? Because diesel fuel is not nearly as flammable as gasoline under normal conditions. This means that there is a lower chance of a spark or small flame igniting the fuel.

For example, if you throw a lit match into a puddle of diesel fuel, it will go out instead of burning. For the diesel to burn, it would take consistent exposure to a flame or high pressure.

The disadvantages of diesel engines

There are also some downsides you should consider before purchasing a diesel vehicle:

Diesel engines feel different to drive

Although diesel engines are no longer loud and noisy, driving one does feel different than driving a gas car. They still produce a bit more noise than a gas engine, and they are less responsive, especially when you step on the gas pedal.

Diesel engines may be more expensive

To this day, buying a car with a diesel engine is typically more expensive than buying a car with a gas engine. This is because diesel engines cost more money to produce and last longer than gas engines. Many also require a heavy-duty transmission to withstand the torque generated by the engine, which also contributes to the higher cost. Additionally, diesel fuel is slightly more expensive than gasoline most of the time. That said, diesel cars are more fuel efficient, which means you’ll be filling up the tank less.

Should you use diesel fuel or gasoline?

Whether you choose to purchase a gasoline or diesel car depends on a couple of things, including the following:

Fuel economy

If fuel economy is your main concern, then you should probably choose diesel over gas. In nearly all circumstances, diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gas engines. This rings especially true when driving on major roads such as highways. The more efficient your vehicle is, the less money you will spend on fuel, and the fewer car emissions your vehicle will emit.

Auto insurance

Next up is auto insurance. Car insurance is a legal requirement in Canada, which means that regardless of whether you drive a diesel car or a gas car, you will need to purchase coverage. The exact types of auto insurance that you will need depend on what province you live in, and a BrokerLink insurance advisor will ensure your policy complies with regulations in your province.

Although car insurance premiums are determined based on a wide range of factors, the type of car you drive is one of them. More expensive vehicles tend to cost more money to insure. Since diesel cars are costlier due to the complexity of their components, you may end up paying more for car insurance if you buy a diesel vehicle.

Resale value

If you plan to trade in or sell your vehicle down the road, as most motorists do, then the resale value should be another factor that you consider. Typically, diesel-powered vehicles have better resale value than gas cars. They tend to depreciate more slowly than gas cars. The only downside is that the buyer market for diesel cars is likely to be much smaller than it is for gasoline cars.

Acceleration and towing

Since diesel engines compress at higher rates, they offer more torque than the average gas vehicle. This translates to faster acceleration and superior towing capacity. So if you plan to haul or tow other equipment, such as a trailer, to your car, then buying a car with a diesel engine might be the smart choice.

Costs

The reality is that buying a gas vehicle is often cheaper than buying a diesel vehicle, both in terms of the upfront costs and the cost of fuel down the line. That said, there are some areas where diesel fuel might be cheaper than gasoline, but most of the time, it’s the other way around. If you decide to go diesel, you should be prepared to pay a higher price tag.

Maintenance and repairs

Further, maintenance and repairs tend to be cheaper for gas cars. However, diesel engines are known to be more durable and resist wear and tear longer than gas cars. Thus, even though it might cost less to fix your gas car, you may have to have it repaired or maintained more often than your diesel vehicle.

Convenience

Last but not least is convenience. Gas fuel is easier to find than diesel fuel. For instance, all gas stations sell gasoline, but not all gas stations sell diesel fuel. If you frequently go on road trips or drive in unfamiliar places, it might be more stressful or time-consuming as you will need to research in advance to find out which gas stations offer diesel.

What happens if I accidentally put gas in my diesel engine?

Filling up a gas engine with diesel fuel can damage your engine, so it’s best to avoid this at all costs. Although it might have been an accident, putting gasoline in your diesel engine can damage the car’s fuel pump, injectors, sensors, and engine. Further, it can affect the vehicle’s fuel pump and injectors and damage the sensors by causing them to overheat or contaminate them.

Get in touch with BrokerLink today!

If you want advice on whether to purchase a diesel car, a gas car, or another type of car, such as a hybrid or electric car, get in touch with BrokerLink today. We can offer a professional opinion on the different car options out there and which one is right for you. We can also help you find tailored car insurance in Toronto or other areas of Canada to suit your vehicle and your driving habits. A few types of auto insurance that we can help you find include:

• Third-party liability car insurance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Accident forgiveness

Have more questions bout diesel or car insurance? Contact an insurance Broker from our team over the phone or by email! You can also get a free insurance quote using our online quote tool anytime!

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