It is no doubt that the modern direct-injection diesel engines are more rugged, powerful, durable, and reliable as compared to today’s gasoline engines. This is because the diesel engines use fuel more efficiently as well. The diesel engines are workhorse engines. That is why; you will find these engines in heavy-duty trucks, tractors, buses and even trains, cranes, bulldozers, large cruises, and other construction equipments. In older days, the image of diesel engines was not so good. They were dirty, louder, smelly and sluggish. But today’s diesel engines are much different from the former diesel engines. Tomorrow’s engines are much more advanced than modern diesel engines. They will become more fuel efficient, more flexible and much cleaner in emissions.
The improvement of modern diesel engines
There were older diesel engines in which fuel was mixed with air in the combustion chamber before any injection into a cylinder. The injection and mixing steps were controlled mechanically because of which the tailoring of air/fuel mixture was difficult especially in changing conditions. This results in incomplete combustion of fuel most probably at low speeds. As a result, the wastage of fuel occurs and the tailpipe emissions become high.

But modern diesel engines become more advanced. They have become more fuel efficient as compared to their predecessors. The today’s diesel engines inject fuel directly into the cylinders precisely in the right amount instantly when needed. There is an electronic control module which controls all the functioning of modern diesel engines. The elaborate array of sensors placed throughout the engines at strategic locations are connected with the electronic control module to monitor everything from the speed of engine, coolant, oil temperatures and even position of pistons. In the modern engines, the fuel burns more thoroughly which delivers enhanced power and greater fuel efficiency with less emissions as compared to former diesel engines.

In addition, the modern direct-injection diesel engines are more capable to produce less possible amount of carbon-dioxide, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. It means, the modern diesel engines are more eco-friendly somehow to much extent. Since 1980, with the advancements in diesel engines, the emissions of reactive nitrogen compounds (so called NOx) and the particulate matter (PM) have been reduced in much extent at very high levels as well. Both NOx and PM are very harmful for our environment and health. NOx is the main reason of acid rain and smog while the exposure of PM is the biggest factor of adverse health problems.

What improvements need to be made in diesel engines?
The diesel engines, at present, are much more powerful and fuel efficient than former diesel engines and especially than gasoline engines. The widespread use of diesel engines in heavy-duty vehicles, SUVs and cars has been reduced the petroleum dependencies in United States and different other parts of the world. The US Environmental Protection Agency is currently working on strategy on improving the removal techniques of residual emissions like PM and NOx. They are also working on the development of diesel fuels.

What we can do to save our environment?
In order to protect your environment, the car owners can play the biggest role. When it comes to replace an engine of your car, it is best to replace it with used engine rather than original engine. The remanufacturing process of an aftermarket engine could save up to 80% of natural resources that can be utilized in original engine. In addition, recycling can save emissions of waste and harmful chemicals that may harm our environment. So think again and go to used auto parts store. Used engines are available with warranty and surety to work for a longer period. So don’t worry about quality!