Should you go with a gas-powered or diesel truck? For those who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of vehicles, the decision can be daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be.

Both gas and diesel have their benefits. They also have their cons. But do diesel trucks last longer than their gas counterparts?

Gas-powered trucks aren’t the greatest

For many years now, gasoline has been the predominant force powering most vehicles. That’s changing as EVs are becoming more popular, but gas vehicles haven’t been eradicated just yet.

Gas-powered vehicles have changed a lot in recent years to keep up with the demand for EVs. Engines are being designed to be more fuel-efficient, which in turn requires less gas at the pump. But there are several problems with gasoline-powered vehicles.

They require a lot of maintenance, and ignoring this can be detrimental to your vehicle. Also, using the wrong fuel can put a strain on your truck. It’ll also leave you stranded and with a hefty mechanic bill.

Rising fuel prices also pose a problem for gasoline-powered vehicles. Prices fluctuate from day-to-day, and it’s hard to figure out how much you’ll be paying from week-to-week. For those on a budget, fuel prices can be a real headache. That’s where diesel trucks come in.

Diesel trucks have their own set of issues

Diesel trucks typically cost more money. Or they do at first glance, anyway. It’s easy to look at the sticker price on most diesel trucks compared with their gas-powered brethren and decide the diesel costs too much.

That’s not always the case, though. Filling up at the pump is usually cheaper with diesel vehicles. That’s because diesel oil is more abundant than regular gasoline, according to CarsDirect.

Diesel trucks are also great for towing heavy loads. More often than not, diesel vehicles can tow more than gasoline-powered vehicles. But thanks to technological advances, that isn’t always true. 

There are a few problems with diesel trucks. The glow plugs tend to kick the bucket, and that’s a common issue for these trucks. The fix is also labor-intensive and can be costly.

Another problem with diesel trucks happens if owners don’t drive them enough. Air gets into the oil, causing oil oxidation. This can result in engine damage, also leading to expensive repairs.

Which one lasts longer?

The consensus on Quora is that diesel trucks last longer. Though a few arguments pointed out there isn’t much difference between the two types of trucks, most Quora users believe diesel engines give the vehicle longer life. But what do experts think?

In general, diesel trucks are better, according to CarsThatLast. This is because they tend to have a longer life than gas-powered vehicles. 

CarsDirect adds to the discussion by pointing out that “a gasoline-powered truck can run for 200,000 miles. Conversely, a diesel truck has a longer lifespan and can run for at least 500,000 and as much as 800,000 miles. This is because it has a heavier and sturdier body.”

This isn’t always the case, though. A vehicle’s lifespan depends largely on the owner. Upkeep can greatly extend a vehicle’s life.

Owners should keep an eye out for recalls and address them. They also shouldn’t let maintenance go unchecked for long periods. Things like changing the oil, rotating the tires, and checking the fluids help add miles to your vehicle.