For the best in Orem auto care, look no further than Tunex. We offer car maintenance for gasoline/diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.

What’s the Best Type of Car to Buy?

If you’ve looked into purchasing a new or new-to-you car recently, you’ve probably noticed the options look different than in years past. Not only do you have to choose between manual and automatic transmissions, but now there are more fuel types than ever.

Our auto care experts know the ins and outs of all engine types, including traditional gasoline-powered and electric. Take a look at some of the pros and cons below to help you decide which type of car is best for you.

Gasoline Cars – Pros and Cons

A standard vehicle is fueled by gasoline. You can choose a manual or automatic transmission, either of which offers better overall power than a hybrid model. Many drivers prefer a gasoline-fueled car over a hybrid or electric one because of engine mechanics. 

A gasoline-powered car uses an internal combustion engine, which combines air and fuel. The cylinders in the engine compress air and fuel together to get the pistons moving. This activates the transmission, which turns the wheels of the car. In a standard vehicle that uses gasoline, spark plugs ignite the fuel. A diesel engine does not utilize spark plugs in the ignition process. Cons of a gasoline car include the effect on the environment and the cost of fuel.

Diesel Cars – Pros and Cons

As with a gasoline-powered car, you can purchase a diesel with a manual or automatic transmission. However, manual transmission diesel trucks are much harder to come by, as they’ve mostly been “retired” by manufacturers. If you have your heart set on a manual diesel vehicle, you’ll probably need to purchase a previously owned vehicle.

Some drivers prefer diesel fuel because it is more efficient than gasoline. If you log a lot of freeway miles in your vehicle, diesel may be the right choice for you. Diesel also produces more torque than gasoline, making it a favorable alternative to gas for drivers who appreciate efficient acceleration.

There isn’t usually a big difference in the cost per gallon of gasoline versus gasoline, but in the long run, diesel is more economical because it packs more power per gallon. Additionally, a diesel engine typically requires less maintenance due to having fewer moving parts. This isn’t to say your diesel can’t break down; it’s just that there are fewer elements that can malfunction in a diesel engine.

One big perk of a diesel, besides fuel economy, is life expectancy. While the cylinders of a gas-powered engine can start to wear down anywhere between 120,000 and 150,000 miles, in a diesel there’s a replaceable liner. So, instead of running the risk of having to replace your entire engine when those cylinders give us, in a diesel you can replace the liners and get more life out of your vehicle. 

A diesel engine has lower revolutions per minute (attributing to its efficiency), which means the overall wear on the car is less than that of a gas engine. You can potentially expect double the life out of your diesel.

Hybrid Cars – Pros and Cons

A hybrid vehicle is one that utilizes both gasoline and electric power. Having two forms of fuel for the car allows it to use less gasoline overall, which appeals to drivers for a variety of reasons. 

Hybrid cars contain a gasoline-powered engine, an electric motor and an electric-hybrid battery. When using the electric motor, the car will run quieter than when it’s powered by gasoline. Depending on the type of hybrid vehicle you drive, there are differences in how the engine operates. 

There are a number of benefits to driving a hybrid vehicle. It’s environmentally friendly since it uses less gasoline, and it’s also budget-friendly. Not only can you get more miles per gallon with a hybrid, but there are certain tax advantages as well. Plus, hybrid and electric cars are much quieter operating on electric motors. On the flip side, hybrid cars can be higher maintenance than standard, gasoline cars. So be prepared to spend a little more when your vehicle needs servicing.

Electric Cars – Pros and Cons

When you invest in an electric car, you’re getting a vehicle that is powered by one or more electric motors. Energy is derived from rechargeable batteries in your car, so there are zero exhaust emissions. These days, electric cars have gained so much in popularity that you can find charging stations in many communities, some of which are free to use. As with hybrid vehicles, there are economical advantages, such as saving on fuel and enjoying tax breaks. You may pay more initially to become the owner of an electric vehicle, but it’s estimated that in nine years you can break even. Electric cars cost less to operate and maintain, so many drivers consider it worth the purchase.

Orem Auto Care for All Cars

No matter what type of car you drive, you can turn to Tunex Orem for routine auto care, including system flushes, oil changes, brakes and more. We service most makes and models and know how important it is that you can rely on your vehicle day in and out.