Despite the UK government’s push towards electric vehicles, there are still plenty of diesel cars on roads. In fact, there are approximately 11 million diesel cars registered in the UK, making up around 30% of the total cars in 2026. For plenty of drivers, diesel vehicles are still the best way to go.
In this article, we’ll be explaining why diesel cars still make sense for many drivers in 2026, and how to maintain a diesel engine to keep it running efficiently, and for as long as possible.
Reasons to Get a Diesel Car
The main benefits of owning a diesel car are:
- They offer better fuel efficiency than petrol engines
- They are well suited to high-mileage drivers
- They’re good for towing
- The engines are more durable than petrol engines
Let’s take a look at each of these advantages in a bit more detail.
Better Efficiency
Diesel engines offer better fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines. On average, diesel engines are roughly 20-30% more efficient than their petrol counterparts, offering plenty more miles to the gallon. The main reason diesel engines are more efficient is because they use a higher compression ratio to burn the fuel more efficiently. This means that less heat is lost, and more is converted into mechanical energy.
Best for High Mileage
If you cover more than 12,000 miles per year, then a diesel car will typically work out cheaper than a petrol car. This is due to their higher fuel efficiency, making them great for long commutes and motorway drives. Whilst diesel costs more per litre, the better fuel efficiency offsets the cost for high mileage vehicles.
Good for Towing
Diesel engines produce more torque at lower speeds compared to petrol engines, making them a better option for towing loads, ideal if you have a trailer or caravan. The improved fuel efficiency also comes in useful here too.
Great Engine Durability
In general, diesel engines tend to be more durable and last longer than petrol engines. They are built to be more hardwearing and are better lubricated, to cope with the higher internal pressure. It’s not uncommon for a well-maintained diesel engine to last over 500,000 miles. Petrol engines typically require major repairs or replacement after around 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
How to Maintain a Diesel Car
All these benefits of a diesel engine are quickly diminished if the car isn’t looked after properly. That’s why it’s vital to maintain a diesel engine regularly to ensure that it remains efficient.
Most cars should receive a full service every 10,000 miles or every 12 months. On higher mileage vehicles (e.g. most diesel cars), it is also highly recommended to have an interim service where the engine oil and filter are changed every 6 months or 5000 miles. This is really important to keep the engine running efficiently and reduce the risk of costly repairs being required.
Diesel engines also run hotter than petrol engines, so it’s vital to keep the engine coolant system monitored by checking the levels and flushing the system at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals – usually every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the diesel particulate filter (DPF) which captures exhaust soot in order to reduce emissions. Driving a diesel car in heavy traffic or for frequent short journeys can cause it to clog. That’s why it’s important to regularly drive on the motorway or a high speed road for at least 30 minutes to help clear the filter. If you notice the DPF warning light is on, make sure you get it checked by a mechanic straight away.
Book a Car Service in Worcester
Here at Recharged Automotive in Worcester, we have over 30 years of experience servicing diesel cars so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands. Our highly-trained technicians can work on all cars, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Get in touch by calling 01905 458156 to discuss your vehicle’s next service.