301.468.1104
Understanding the proper fuel for your tow truck is easier than you think!
When it comes to towing, there is a huge debate within the industry about whether traditional gasoline or diesel is more effective for towing. The debate stretches beyond the traditional issue of cost vs. payout and encompasses torque and horsepower as well. What is the difference between gas and diesel when it comes to towing?
Torque 101
Torque is the force of energy required to move something. In the case of towing, torque is the amount of force it will take to move your car to its destination. Torque is used to measure the actual force, and the force is measured in pounds-feet or foot-pounds. In simple terms, torque is the amount of turning force you need to move one pound of weight one foot of distance.
Horsepower 101
Horsepower is the amount of torque multiplied by the number of RPMs (revolutions per minute). If torque is how much work needs to be done, horsepower is the speed at which you can get the work done. Engines that are rated as 350 horsepower only actually reach that speed at maximum RPMs. A gasoline engine might have a rating of 5,000 or 6,000 RPMs. However, a diesel engine has the horsepower that peaks at a lower RPM and provides more torque and lower RPMs.
So, What’s the Difference?
The difference boils down to how quickly you want to move cars from place to place and how much you want to be towing at a time. Gasoline tow trucks might struggle to tow other tow trucks or more than one car at a time. Diesel tow trucks have a much better time navigating the highway at reasonable speeds and towing more than one car at a time. While diesel costs more at the gas pump, it often pays up during the hours you spend towing every day. If you aren’t sure which option is right for you, do further research on engines available.
Roadside Assistance and Towing Services All Day and Night
Montrose Towing offers 24 towing service and roadside assistance for you and your car. Whether you’re stuck on the shoulder of the highway at 2 AM or caught in a parking lot during rush hour, we have fast towing and roadside assistance services that will get you back on the road as soon as possible. To kick off your excellent experience with us, give us a call at (301) 468-1104 or visit us online.