How Many Miles Do Diesel Engines Last?

It’s common for gasoline engines to last roughly 200,000 miles before it requires a major refurbishment or you need to purchase a new vehicle.

Meanwhile, diesel engines can operate continuously for 1,000,000-1,500,000 miles before requiring substantial maintenance.

In reality, a well-maintained diesel engine may last 30 years or more.

Why Diesel Engines Last Longer than Usual Gasoline?

Diesel engines are renowned for their improved fuel efficiency, and some argue that they are even environmentally friendly.

Indeed, the engineering prowess of diesel engines is mind-boggling. They are recognized as one of the most long-lasting and sturdy mechanical devices.

Its ability to run for a long distance without requiring any major repair is indeed a great example of engineering capability.

In fact, a well-maintained engine can last a minimum of 30 years. Because of their fuel, diesel engines endure longer than gas engines. 

Diesel fuel is a form of distillate fuel derived mostly from crude oil, resulting in less cylinder wear in their engines than in gasoline.

The durability of diesel engine vehicles relies on the design, type of fuel, and application. You can watch the video to learn more about how efficient diesel engines are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that diesel engines last longer?

Indeed, diesel engines outlast gasoline engines. This is because diesel is a light oil that lubricates the engine parts when burned and utilized as fuel by a vehicle. This extends the engine’s life. 

On the other hand, petrol is a detergent that washes away oil from engine components, causing them to wear out faster.

What’s the difference between Petrol and Diesel Engines?

Diesel engines feature significantly bigger crankshafts, camshafts, and cylinders and bear much greater sizes.

This implies more space inside the engine for more oil to flow freely. A diesel engine’s increased oil and coolant volume brings good lubrication and reduced wear. 

Typically, a gasoline engine uses nearly 1 gallon of oil, but a huge diesel engine can require up to 15 gallons.

In addition to being better at self-regulating both oil and fuel temperatures, they often have superior fuel efficiency and benefit the environment.

As a consequence of a more powerful fuel injection system, improved torque, and the diesel fuel itself.

On the other hand, a gasoline engine is not gear-driven, meaning it relies on timing belts, chains, pumps, and other elements that will be easily damaged and malfunction more often.

Also, gasoline is more acidic than diesel fuel; it may erode surfaces, causing corrosion and damage. 

Are 300,000 miles too many for a diesel?

Old diesel pickup trucks powered by Cummins or Duramax engines have a high mileage of over 350,000 kilometers.

In addition to the high mileage for Powerstroke diesel engines, engines with a fuel tank capacity of more than 375,000 gallons must be approved to run.

Is it safe to purchase a diesel truck with high mileage?

Diesel engines have a longer lifetime than gas engines in general. In other words, a high-mileage diesel engine may frequently maintain far more value than one operated just by a pickup truck for hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

In fact, it is not unusual to come across a used diesel vehicle for sale with more than 200,000 kilometers on it. Although diesel engines are often more reliable than gasoline engines, excessive mileage remains an issue.