Driving A Diesel? Things I Found Out The Hard Way! 🚗💨(But You Don't Have To!)

Video Description

If you are not used to a diesel here are the things I had to find out the hard way. Know this and your diesel will reach a happy high mileage and you'll minimize problems and maximize your enjoyment. Are you switching from petrol to diesel and wondering why your car suddenly feels so different? In this video, we dive deep into the key differences between petrol and diesel engines that every driver should know. From torque delivery and gear changes to diesel particulate filters (DPF) and fuel quality, we’ll cover everything you need to master your diesel driving experience. Whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere, these insights will save you money, extend your engine’s life, and help you avoid common mistakes that many new diesel owners make. When I first switched from a 2.0 TFSI petrol turbo to a 2.0 TDI diesel Audi A3, the differences were shocking. The immediate surge of torque at low RPM made the car feel quicker off the line than the petrol ever did. But then I realized — the power band is much narrower. A petrol engine might rev happily to 7,500 or even 10,000 RPM, while most diesels hit the redline at just 4,500–5,000 RPM. That means more frequent gear changes, especially in manual cars. Automatic gearboxes mask this, but if you’re rowing your own gears, you’ll notice it quickly. Another crucial point: diesel engines need to be worked harder than petrol engines. Many drivers make the mistake of “babying” their diesel, sticking at low RPMs. In reality, this causes problems like injector fouling and DPF clogging. Modern diesels are fitted with particulate filters, designed to trap soot and burn it off during a regeneration cycle. If you only do short trips, drive too gently, or keep the tank too low, regeneration won’t complete. The result? A clogged DPF and a very expensive repair bill. That’s why diesel drivers should use the rev range fully, occasionally pushing toward the redline to keep the system clear. Don’t fear the throttle — diesels are robust, built to handle hard work. In fact, the extra load often helps burn away deposits and keeps the engine healthier in the long run. Maintenance is also different. Oil in a diesel engine degrades faster due to soot and contaminants, so shortening service intervals is wise. You’ll also notice more soot around the exhaust tip and sometimes a dirty film on the rear bumper — a reminder that diesel combustion is dirtier than petrol. Fuel quality matters too. If your car specifies premium diesel with higher cetane ratings, use it. You’ll often get better performance, smoother running, and even improved fuel economy. If it doesn’t need premium, don’t waste your money. But equally, avoid the cheapest fuels, since additive packages differ brand to brand and can greatly affect injector cleanliness and combustion. 💡 Typical questions answered in this video: Why does my diesel feel faster at low speeds but run out of power quickly? Do diesel engines really need to be driven harder than petrol ones? What is a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and how do I stop it from clogging? Why does my diesel car feel sluggish or smoky sometimes? Should I use premium diesel fuel or stick to regular? How often should I service a diesel compared to a petrol car? If you’re moving from petrol to diesel, this video will give you the knowledge to protect your engine, avoid costly mistakes, and get the best driving experience possible. 👍 Don’t forget to like if you found this helpful, subscribe for more car care tips, and share your experiences in the comments — have you noticed other differences between petrol and diesel cars? #DieselVsPetrol #CarTips #DieselDriving #DPF #CarMaintenance #DrivingTips #dieselengines https://www.torquecars.com Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.