News

A lot of BEMIDJI drivers are excited about the new diesel engines that are becoming available in passenger cars and SUV's, and they're curious about the preventive maintenance requirements for diesels. BEMIDJI motorists may not know that diesel engines have long been used extensively in Europe and Asia. In fact, in some markets, there're nearly as many diesel powered passenger cars as there are gasoline cars.

You may ask, why has it taken so long getting in North America? There are a bunch of reasons like MN fuel tax policies and such, but the biggest hurdle was that North American diesel fuel had a high sulfur content – too high for the latest generation of highly refined diesel engines. Recent government mandates to remove sulfur now open North America up to the engines the rest of the world's been enjoying for a long time.

Why are diesels so popular worldwide? Well, for starters, diesels get up to 30% better fuel economy than gas engines. They last a lot longer. And modern diesel engines are refined, quiet and powerful. Plus, there's none of that black smoke we used to see. Some BEMIDJI drivers may think that diesels create more pollution. But you need to rethink diesels. Environmental pollution standards for diesel cars and light trucks are scheduled to be as strict as they are for gasoline vehicles.

A modern diesel engine is as clean as a gas engine. And, there are not a lot of trade-offs with diesel in terms of performance. A modern passenger car diesel is very smooth, quiet and quick. Most BEMIDJI drivers wouldn't notice any difference. For those Lake George area folks who tow trailers and haul heavy loads, diesels will be an improvement.

Now diesel engines are heavy duty, so they cost more than gas engines in Lake George. But they get better fuel economy, so the break-even point is largely dependent on the difference between gas and diesel prices at your BEMIDJI pump and how many miles/kilometers you drive. And diesels have a higher resale value in MN.

Now, let's get back to diesel maintenance in BEMIDJI. Diesels do require very clean fuel, air and oil, so their filters are much higher capacity than gasoline filters and cost more. The engine air filter needs to be changed more frequently as well. Repair costs in BEMIDJI are similar. As with gasoline engines, proper maintenance is the key to long engine life and avoiding repairs  — pretty much what we have come to expect with gas vehicles; coolant system service, transmission service, power brakes, power steering, differential, filters, fuel system and so on. And the payoff for you, if you're one of the BEMIDJI residents that likes to keep your vehicles for a long time, is that a properly maintained diesel engine can last for hundreds of thousands of miles/kilometers.

Give us a call.

Kenny's Clark And Goodyear
423 Bemidji Avenue
BEMIDJI, MN 56601
218.751.3426

At Kenny's Clark And Goodyear we install quality NAPA replacement parts.