By Roshni Lakhiani

There are numerous beliefs and concerns surrounding the use of a diesel-powered engine. It has often been derided by some as noisy, slow, and less efficient. However, these days manufacturers are increasingly producing cars with diesel-powered engines. Why do that if diesel causes so many nuisances? Well, maybe the facts have not been put straight. Here are some myths uncovered for you by AsiaOne.

Diesel engines are noisy

In the past, diesel engines used to make loud clanking and popping noises. This was caused by the high-pressure ignition of fuel inside the engine. Gas engines ignite fuel under pressure, too, but, because of the much greater pressures used in diesel, you could hear a popping and banging noise in diesel engines.

However, new diesel engines create a more gentle increase in pressure by injecting small amounts of fuel called a pilot injection, just a few ten-thousandths of a second before the main shot of fuel. As a result, the combustion is "softer" and the noise is reduced considerably.

Thus, no more clanging and owners can enjoy a smoother ride.

Diesel engines are not as efficient as petrol engines

Actually, efficiency is one the main selling points of a diesel engine.

Because of how the engine uses fuel - creating lots of power at low-engine speeds - and because the fuel contains more energy per gallon, diesels get much better fuel economy than gas-powered cars.

In numerous cases, diesel cars get mileage similar to gasoline-hybrid cars of the same size and type.

Diesels engines are prehistoric

There is truth in the fact that diesel is an old-engine technology. It was first created by Rudolf Diesel in the 1890s.

But, these days, major improvements have been made to the diesel engine of the 1890s.

New methods and types, such as clean diesel, have been developed. Hence the diesel engines being used now are no less 'modern' than other inventions of our time.

Diesel-powered cars are slow

Torque is something that diesel engines have an advantage over - this is its pulling power. However, acceleration has often been slower. This is where the misconception arises.

Nonetheless, all modern engines nowadays have something called a turbocharger, which enhances speed and makes a huge difference in the overall performance of the car.

Thus, a driver today may not even miss a gasoline-powered car as the diesel engine can provide similar or even better real world performance.

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