Car Tips and Tricks
Petrol or Diesel: What’s the Best Fuel for Spring Getaways?
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to plan road trips, weekend escapes and long-awaited holidays. But before you hit the road, there's one key decision to make: should you choose a petrol or diesel car for your springtime travels? The type of fuel you opt for can significantly influence your car’s performance, fuel consumption, comfort and environmental impact. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best decision for your journey.
Spring Travel: Should You Subscribe to a Petrol or Diesel Car?
Choosing the right fuel type is crucial to ensuring your trip is comfortable, cost-effective and eco-conscious. If you're using a monthly car subscription like the one offered by Xtracars, it’s worth understanding how warm weather impacts different engines. Let's break it down and give you some practical spring travel tips along the way.
How Temperature Affects Engine Performance
Whether petrol or diesel, high temperatures can significantly impact engine behaviour. For starters, heat can reduce the efficiency of lubricants, increasing wear and shortening engine lifespan.
- Petrol engines: On hot days, petrol engines may struggle due to reduced air density, resulting in less efficient combustion. This can lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. However, they generally remain more stable under extreme heat. They handle high revs well and offer smoother driving, with less risk of pre-ignition.
- Diesel engines: These are more efficient at high temperatures since compression ignition is less affected by air density. Still, heat can hinder performance if the cooling system isn’t in top condition.
Fuel Consumption: Diesel vs Petrol on Hot Days
Just like us, cars don’t perform well in extreme temperatures—whether hot or cold. One example of how heat impacts cars is their fuel consumption. Proper maintenance, including cooling and emissions systems, is crucial to avoid waste.
- Petrol cars: Fuel consumption tends to increase on hot days due to more frequent air conditioning use and less efficient combustion. Consumption is also less stable in the heat and more prone to evaporation—especially during traffic jams or long stops.
- Diesel cars: Fuel consumption is more stable in diesel engines, with less risk of evaporation. However, air conditioning use will still cause an increase.
Sustainability also depends on fuel origin (e.g., biofuels, eco additives) and how the car is used.
Petrol or Diesel Car: Which Is More Pleasant to Drive?
When choosing from our rental fleet, remember that fuel type also affects ride comfort.
- Petrol engines: Ideal for those who value smooth driving. They are quieter and softer, especially at low revs.
- Diesel engines: Often noisier and rougher-noticeable particularly when starting, at low revs or when accelerating, due to compression ignition.
Sustainability & Emissions: Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
If you're opting for a petrol or diesel car during your monthly subscription, then you should get to know their key differences in terms of sustainability.
- Petrol cars: Emit more CO₂ per litre but produce fewer polluting particles. They’re less environmentally friendly due to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
- Diesel cars: Emit less CO₂ but more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particles, which are harmful to human health and the environment. However, they are more fuel efficient.
Sustainability also depends on fuel origin (e.g., biofuels, eco additives) and how the car is used.
Diesel or petrol cars: final recommendations.
During spring, follow these tips to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey—whether you drive a petrol or diesel car:
- Choose petrol if you’ll be driving in urban areas with frequent stops.
- Plan strategic breaks during your trip to prevent engine overheating.
- Whenever possible, park in shaded areas.
- Opt for a diesel car if driving long distances on motorways.
- Avoid refuelling during peak heat hours to reduce evaporation.
Discover the Monthly Car Subscription from Xtracars.
If you're planning some road trip adventures this spring and summer, choose the car that best suits your travels. At Xtracars, you'll find a diverse fleet that meets all your explorer needs – including electric cars. Plus, several services are included in your fixed monthly fee.
If you want complete peace of mind for the kilometres ahead, choose one of our additional products. For example, our TOP Roadside Assistance covers you in case you forget or lose your keys, run out of fuel, or even use the wrong one—among other potential mishaps.
Now that you know the differences between petrol and diesel cars, which one will you choose? Whatever your decision, one thing’s for sure: this spring will be unforgettable.
