Gasoline or Diesel: Which Is More Economical to Run?

From towing to hauling to family road trips, pickup trucks can accomplish many different tasks. They are built to hitch-up and go, whether it be down the street or a couple thousand miles away.  

What is the difference between gasoline- and diesel-fueled trucks when it comes to daily usage? There are plenty of differences in the type of fuel used, fuel delivery, and the way each engine works from start-up to idling to power production. It also comes down to cost, which we’ll explore here. 

First and foremost, consider the cost of fuel for these engines. For example, recent gasoline pump prices in the Indianapolis area were reported to average $2.85 a gallon. In the same time frame, diesel fuel averaged $3.29 a gallon. These numbers will obviously vary for your region, so do your homework.  

Let’s take a look at immediate running costs. Based on a heavy-duty truck’s 34-gallon fuel tank, it would cost $96.90 to fill up the tank with gasoline. If the gasoline engine averages 12 mpg, that would amount to a 408-mile range on a full tank of gas.  

On a diesel engine with the same fuel tank capacity, you would spend $111.86 filling up the tank. Since diesel engines generally return better fuel consumption—about 15 mpg—you could see a 510-mile range on a full tank of diesel.  

Another fluid cost to consider is diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). This fluid helps clean the emissions control system inside a diesel exhaust system, reducing the amount of tailpipe pollution. In the Indianapolis area, you can find a 2.5-gallon jug of DEF for around $10-$12.   

Typically, DEF would take you between 300-500 miles per gallon, potentially lasting thousands of miles between fill-ups. There are reports that a full tank of DEF could last up to 5,000 miles before needing to be re-filled. The normal ratio of use would be one gallon of DEF to every 50 gallons of diesel fuel.  

Another thing to consider when it comes to running costs is maintenance and service. For both gas and diesel engines, the frequency of service (including oil change and filter replacement) is going to vary greatly; consult your owner’s manual for details. Diesels require regular maintenance of the DEF system and filters. Spark plug replacement usually runs between 20,000 miles and 30,000 miles for gasoline engines. 

If you have questions about your gas or diesel truck’s engine, Alderman Automotive has a full service center that works on both gasoline and diesel engines. We can work on your pickup truck and get you back on the road. If you’re looking for service, go ahead and schedule an appointment.  

If you’re on the fence between gas and diesel, come check out both. Alderman Automotive offers a variety of gas and diesel pickup trucks for work and play. Contact us to see which truck from our inventory will fit your needs.