What Type of Fuel Should a Pickup Truck Use?
2 Answers
Pickup trucks in the market are equipped with either diesel or gasoline engines, with diesel pickups being more common. In southern regions, you can fill up with No. 0 diesel, while in northern regions, No. -10 or No. -20 diesel is recommended. For gasoline-powered pickups, the fuel type depends on the engine requirements, and you can use No. 92, No. 93, or No. 97 gasoline. Here are the advantages of diesel pickups compared to gasoline pickups: Higher Thermal Efficiency of Diesel Engines: Diesel engines offer stronger low-end torque, higher thermal efficiency, durability, and lower operating costs, making them well-suited for the typical usage requirements of domestic pickups. More Fuel-Efficient: Diesel engines have higher combustion efficiency, making them more fuel-efficient, which is why they are better suited for pickup trucks.
I've been driving a pickup truck for ten years and often get asked this question. Most pickups run on either gasoline or diesel engines, and the specific fuel type depends on the model. For example, my Ford F-150 is a gasoline version and takes 92-octane unleaded fuel, while some European brands like Mercedes-Benz pickups with diesel engines require 0-grade diesel. Always check the fuel cap label or vehicle manual when choosing fuel—don't guess, as using the wrong type can cause engine damage, leading to repair costs in the thousands. Pro tip: When tackling mountain roads under heavy load, using 95-octane gasoline improves stability and reduces knocking risks. Economically, gasoline is cheaper than diesel but less fuel-efficient; for daily use, 92-octane suffices. If you accidentally misfuel (e.g., diesel in a gasoline vehicle), flush the system promptly to avoid major repairs. Bottom line: Safety first—using the correct fuel extends your truck’s lifespan.
